Feasibility and Safety of Intercostal Cryoneurolysis During Pleuroscopy: A Novel Analgesic Approach Using a 1.7 mm Cryoprobe.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Pleuroscopy is a minimally invasive and highly effective procedure used for diagnosing pleural diseases. Despite its utility, pain during and after the procedure can be significant. Traditional analgesic approaches, including systemic opioids and local anaesthetics albeit potent, may provide incomplete pain relief and can be associated with side effects. Cryoneurolysis has emerged as a feasible analgesic technique in general surgery. However, an equivalent treatment modality has yet to be established for pleuroscopy.

Objectives

To investigate the safety and feasibility of cryoneurolysis in pleuroscopy performed using a 1.7 mm cryoprobe via a semi-rigid pleuroscope.

Materials and methods

We conducted a prospective, single-centre observational study on 43 p

SUBMITTER: Onyancha S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12318279 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature