[Comparison of the efficacy of cryoanalgesia and patient-controlled analgesia after thoracotomy].

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of cryoanalgesia and patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) after thoracotomy.

Methods: Forty patients undergoing elective thoracotomy were randomly divided into cryoanalgesia group (L group, n=20) and PCEA group (n=20). Before chest closure, 4 costal nerve branches (at, above and below the incision, and one for inserting drainage tube) were isolated and frozen for 90 s at -40 to -89 degrees Celsius in L group.