Intercostal nerve cryoablation as part of an opioid-sparing protocol reduces opioid and epidural use after lung transplant.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inadequate pain control after lung transplantation increases perioperative complications. Standard opioid-based regimens are associated with adverse effects and epidural catheters that reduce opioid use are limited by contraindications and technical challenges. We report the use of intercostal nerve cryoablation to enhance perioperative pain control as part of an opioid-sparing protocol for lung transplant recipients (LTR).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of LTRs from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2021, before (precryo) and after (postcryo) initiation of an opioid-sparing protocol utilizing intraoperative intercostal nerve cryoablation. The precryo cohort included consecutive patients treated with opioids and selective use of epidural catheters

SUBMITTER: Kleiboeker HL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11935399 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature