Acute Postthoracotomy Pain - Impact of Gender

No Impact of Gender on Acute Postthoracotomy Pain - a Retrospective Analysis

Adequate analgesia in thoracic surgery is essential to prevent severe postoperative complications, especially respiratory problems. Current knowledge about gender-related differences in pain states generally more frequent and intense pain and more demand for analgesics in women. Results about postsurgical pain in particular are very inconclusive.

The investigators tried to find out if gender has an influence on postthoracotomy pain and analgesics requirement.

Inclusion Criteria:

• open lung surgery between July 2010 and December 2014

Exclusion Criteria:

• redo-thoracotomy
• chest wall or rib resection
• other approach than lateral thoracotomy
• additional incision at other site (e.g. laparotomy)
• chest trauma
• mesothelioma
• hemofiltration or haemodialysis
• longer than one day stay at intensive care unit
• pre-existent chronic pain and/or chronic opioid intake
• short stay in hospital