CT Guided Percutaneous Cryoneurolysis for Post Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome Early Experience and Effectiveness

Rationale and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cryoablation on pain levels in patients with histories of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome. Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients were included in this retrospective review. Preprocedural and immediate postprocedural pain scores were recorded, as well as several months after the procedures. Results: The average preprocedural pain score was 7.5 +/- 2.0, which decreased to 1.2 +/- 1.9 immediately after the procedure. After a mean follow-up period of 51 days, the average pain score was 4.1 +/- 1.7. The difference between preprocedural and postprocedural pain scores was statistically significant by Wilcoxon's rank sum test. Conclusion: Cryoneurolysis of the intercostal nerves statistically significantly decreased pain scores in patients with post-thoracotomy pain syndrome.