Managing post-thoracotomy pain: Epidural or systemic analgesia and extended care - A randomized study with an "as usual" control group.

Background and aims Thoracotomies can cause severe pain, which persists in 21-67% of patients. We investigated whether NSAID + intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) with morphine is an efficacious alternative to thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA). We also wanted to find out whether an extended controlled pain management protocol within a clinical study can decrease the incidence of persistent post-thoracotomy pain.

New approach for treatment of prolonged postoperative pain: APS Out-Patient Clinic.

Background And Aims: Persistent postoperative pain (PPP) is a significant clinical problem. Several patient-related risk factors for PPP have been identified, including a previous chronic pain problem, young age, female gender and psychological vulnerability. Intra- and postoperative risk factors include surgical complications such as infections, haematoma, nerve damage and repeated surgery.

The effect of paracetamol and tropisetron on pain: experimental studies and a review of published data.

Experimental studies suggest that paracetamol-induced analgesia is mediated via central serotonergic pathways and attenuated by 5-HT3-antagonists. However, clinical studies do not support this, and 5-HT3-antagonists are expected to reduce pain by blocking the descending pronociceptive pathway. The current project tested whether tropisetron attenuates analgesia by paracetamol.

[Robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy].

Robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is an established method in the treatment of localized prostatic cancer. The equipment comprises a separate control console that makes ergonomic working possible. The optics creates a three-dimensional view and 10 to 15-fold magnification, thus enabling accurate operation.

Persistent pain after caesarean section and vaginal birth: a cohort study.

Background: Although persistent pain has been described to occur after various types of surgery, little is known about this entity following caesarean section or vaginal birth. We sought to examine the association between mode of delivery and development of persistent pain, as well as the nature and intensity of the pain.

Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 600 consecutive Finnish-speaking women within one year of their giving birth.

Effect of paracetamol and coxib with or without dexamethasone after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCC) is multifactorial. Effective post-operative pain control is necessary in LCC performed as day-case surgery. We studied the efficacy of paracetamol or valdecoxib with or without dexamethasone after LCC.

Do surgical patients benefit from perioperative gabapentin/pregabalin? A systematic review of efficacy and safety.

Background: Gabapentin and pregabalin have antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic properties useful for treating neuropathic pain. These properties may also be beneficial in acute postoperative pain. In this study we evaluated randomized, controlled trials examining the analgesic efficacy, adverse effects, and clinical value of gabapentinoids in postoperative pain.

Post-thoracotomy pain after thoracic epidural analgesia: a prospective follow-up study.

Background: Pain becomes chronic in 22-67% of patients who undergo a thoracotomy. Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) has replaced less invasive methods to manage postoperative pain. We wanted to find out if active use of TEA, combined with extended pain management at home, reduces the incidence of chronic post-thoracotomy pain.