Intraoperative Cryoanalgesia Versus Thoracic Epidural Block in MIRPE (Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum)

Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Intraoperative Intercostal Cryoanalgesia and Thoracic Epidural Block in the Postoperative Period of Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Repair (MIRPE): a Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

The main objective of this study is to compare epidural blockade with cryoanalgesia of the intercostal nerves as an analgesic method in the postoperative period of minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE).

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Having pectus excavatum;
2. Having signed the Informed Consent Form for the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age < 13 years at the time of the procedure;
2. Chronic use of analgesics preoperatively;
3. Pectus carinatum, Poland syndrome, or other chest wall anomalies;
4. Previous pectus excavatum repair by any technique;
5. Previous thoracic surgery;
6. Congenital heart disease;
7. Hemorrhagic dyscrasia;
8. Major anesthetic risk factors or history of previous problems with anesthesia;
9. Pregnancy.