Cryoablation Effects on Acute and Chronic Pain After Thoracotomy and Thoracoscopy

Cryoablation Effects on Acute and Chronic Pain After Thoracotomy and Thoracoscopy

The researchers will compare the common methods of post-surgical pain control, such as epidural or intercostal nerve block with a newer method called cryoablation. The research team is conducting this study to determine if cryoablation provides more effective pain control when compared to an epidural or intercostal nerve block.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who could receive cryoablation in an elective open thoracic (posterolateral thoracotomy) or minimally invasive (thoracoscopy, including robotic) procedures at Michigan Medicine
• Patient is opioid naïve

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are pregnant
• Patients with cognitive impairment
• Patients with psychological disorders
• Patients with prior thoracic surgery
• Patients with fibromyalgia
• Patients with redo ipsilateral thoracic surgery
• Patients undergoing bilateral thoracotomy