The Influence of Type of Anesthesia, Perioperative Pain, and Preoperative Health Status on Chronic Pain Six Months After Thoracotomy-A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Chronic post-thoracotomy pain (CPP) has a high incidence. However, less is known about risk factors and the influence of different analgesia therapies.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, patients either received standardized epidural analgesia or began an oral analgesic protocol with controlled-release oxycodone immediately postoperatively.