Intercostal Nerve Cryotherapy in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Resection

Randomized Trial of Intercostal Nerve Cryotherapy in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Resection

This is a research study designed to test whether a treatment called Intercostal Nerve Cryotherapy is an effective way to help control post-surgical pain for patients undergoing minimally invasive pulmonary resection.

There are two treatment groups in this study, a cryotherapy group and control group. Cryotherapy is a method of controlling pain by freezing nerves between the ribs that would transmit pain impulses to the brain.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients 18 year and older.
2. Undergoing elective minimally invasive (VATS or robotic) lung resection for nodules (wedge resection, segmentectomy, lobectomy).
3. Performance status of 1 or 2.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with ejection fraction less than 40%
2. Patients with creatinine greater than 1.5.
3. Patients with Child's B or C cirrhosis
4. Patients on chronic narcotics for other reasons
5. Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia
6. Patients who had previous thoracic surgery on the same side.
7. Patients who cannot communicate in English.
8. Patients unable to provide informed consent for the study.