Thoracotomy Closure Technique and Postoperative Pain Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Thoracotomy Closure Technique and Postoperative Pain Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to examine pain associated with thoracotomy (incision made during surgery to obtain access to your thoracic cavity) and how the closure technique may influence postoperative pain. Two types of routinely selected thoracotomy closure techniques will be examined; pericostal and intracostal sutures. The investigators hypothesize that intracostal sutures will result in less postoperative and chronic pain as a result of less compression of the intercostal nerve.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients undergoing an elective procedure that will include a thoracotomy.
• All patients will undergo epidural catheter placement.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous thoracotomy on the operative side.
• Previous history of chronic chest pain.
• Previous history of thoracic trauma on the operative side.
• Less than 18 years of age
• Inability to provide informed consent or to complete testing or data collection
• Need for a chest wall resection
• Patients requiring other incisions in addition to a thoracotomy (i.e., Laparotomy, sternotomy