Treatment of chronic mini-thoracotomy wound pain and lung herniation with intercostal cryoablation and surgical mesh repair: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of minimally invasive heart surgery via mini-thoracotomy (MT; right anterior thoracotomy) is on the rise, accompanied by an increase in post-MT intercostal nerve neuralgia and the risk of lung herniation through the incision site. While various methods have been proposed to address these issues, none have been commonly effective. In this case report, we attempted to simultaneously address these problems by performing intercostal cryoablation (IC) and mesh repair. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old male was referred to our hospital for chronic post-thoracotomy neuralgia following heart surgery via MT, involving patch closure of an atrial septal defect and tricuspid annuloplasty. He presented with intercostal nerve neuralgia and lung herniation accompanied by severe pain. Despite medication and lidocaine injections, there was no relief. Consequently, he underwent surgical treatment with IC for chronic MT wound pain and simultaneously underwent mesh repair for a lung hernia. He was discharged from hospital free of complications. Subsequently, he no longer required further pain medication and experienced a favorable recovery. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that concurrent IC and mesh repair can effectively relieve chronic post-MT intercostal nerve neuralgia and severe lung herniation pain in patients who underwent MT surgery, leading to a decrease in opioid medication usage.

Cryoneurolysis of Intercostal Nerve for Rib Trauma and Intercostal Neuralgia in the Emergency Department: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

BACKGROUND: Management of pain from traumatic rib injury is very challenging. Both acute and chronic pain caused by rib injury can cause significant morbidity (pain-induced hypoventilation, pneumonia, respiratory failure) and functional hindrance. Traditional pain management strategies in the emergency department (ED) that target acute traumatic rib pain are limited by the side effects of medications or the temporary half-life of anesthetics used for a nerve block. Both treatment modalities fall short of addressing subsequent chronic sequelae. CASE REPORT: We present the first-time use of cryoneurolysis on an ED patient for the treatment of 10/10 severe traumatic intercostal neuralgia that resulted in the patient being discharged home pain free. The patient initially underwent a multilevel left-sided T5-T7 intercostal nerve block, followed by ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryoneurolysis of those intercostal nerves using two cycles of 2 min of cooling to a temperature of -70°C (nitrous oxide), with 30 s of thawing in between. The patient experienced 100% pain relief immediately post procedure that was sustained. He remained completely symptom free more than 6 months after the bedside procedure and returned to sports without restrictions. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? This case highlights the benefits of cross-departmental collaboration between the ED, Anesthesia, and Pain Management. We hope this model of multidisciplinary pain modulation can be replicated for other patients with similar pain and can herald a new paradigm of pain management in the ED.

Nerve changes associated with post thoracotomy pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Chronic post-thoracotomy pain (PTPS) is a frequent complication of thoracic operations. Sometimes the pain is excruciating enough to impair activities of daily living (ADL). All thoracic procedures have the potential to cause trauma to the intercostal nerves due to retractor use, chest closure techniques, and or wound healing. In our study, we analyzed the microscopic aspects of the nerves involved in the healing process, to better understand the histopathology of chronic pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 29 patients with PTPS underwent intercostal neurectomy to alleviate the symptoms. Microscopic specimens harvested during the surgeries were sent to our pathology unit for evaluation. The following data regarding the surgical procedures was collected: surgical approach, chest closure type, number of excised nerves, and time interval from previous surgery to neurectomy. RESULTS: A mean of 2.34±1.11 nerves were excised. Microscopy of the specimens revealed: fibrosis, hyalinization of the epineurium and perineurium, intense hyperemia of the blood capillaries, and interstitial edema. 7 cases presented with myxoid degeneration of epineurium and perineurium. In all the cases, endoneurium, myelin sheaths, and axons were interrupted. The endoneurium showed the presence of hyperemic dilated capillaries. The segmental cytoplasmic vacuolization of Schwann's cells with the total disappearance of axons was also noted. 60% of the examined specimens had intraneural myxoid degeneration, with highly dense irregular connective tissue around nerve fibers. CONCLUSIONS: The pathologic findings in the structure of the intercostal nerves obtained from the patients are indicative of the involvement of the wound healing mechanisms in PTPS. The negative impact of wound healing could be considered a key component in the development of intense chronic pain.

Modified left subsuperior segmentectomy via 2-cm uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Independent subsuperior segmentectomy (S*) via uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has rarely been reported. We describe our modified technique of performing simplified left subsuperior segmentectomy for a lung nodule, via 2-cm uniportal VATS. The uniportal approach was different from the traditional approach made by blunt separation into the thorax without electrocautery. Our modified technique minimizes damage to the intercostal nerves and muscles. We also simplified the subsuperior segmentectomy procedure according to the findings of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography angiography and bronchography. Combining these two techniques achieves a new more minimally invasive method for subsuperior segmentectomy.

Aberrant bifurcation of intercostobrachial nerve in the axilla: A case report.

Intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) studies have been undertaken by many authors as it is a highly variable structure with numerous patterns reported worldwide. ICBN is a frequently damaged structure in Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) or mastectomy. Compression of this nerve, due to the enlargement of axillary lymph nodes from cancer breast may be presented as referred pain along the medial side of arm. Different patterns on the course and distribution of the ICBN have been described in literature. We encountered a lesser known variation of the ICBN where it pierced the second intercostal space as a single trunk and immediately divided into two branches. The putative clinical implications of this aberrant bifurcation are of value in significantly diminishing complications such as pain and sensory disturbances presenting after mastectomy and ALND. The findings of the presentation may be of use by surgeons and interventionists in approaching the area in a more precautious manner.

A Novel Technique: Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Intercostal Neuralgia.

Serratus anterior plane block has been used for pain management during the acute period of conditions affecting the thorax, such as postthoracotomy recovery, rib fracture, and breast surgery recovery. Here, we report the use of serratus anterior plane block in posttraumatic chronic pain treatment. We describe a case of posttraumatic chronic intercostal neuralgia, in which successful pain relief was achieved via repeated injections of local anesthetic and steroid combinations in the serratus anterior plane under ultrasonographic guidance. This novel technique is easy to administer, reliable, and warrants further investigation with regard to its use for rehabilitation of patients who are experiencing posttraumatic chronic neuropathies of the chest wall.

If post-thoracotomy pain is the target, Integrated Thoracotomy is the choice.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the overgrowth of procedures done by VATS, there are still needs for thoracotomy. Post-thoracotomy pain plays an important role in many post-operative morbidities. Surgeons should make efforts to evolve new techniques to reduce post-thoracotomy pain with its associated morbidities. This trial aimed to study the impact of combining lack of rib retraction with protection of both intercostal nerves on post-operative pain. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 57 patients who had Integrated thoracotomy (I group) which consists of modified French window with Double-Edge closure. The results of I group were compared to our previous study that contained two groups 60 patients each, double edge (DE group) in which standard thoracotomy was closed using double-edge technique and (PC group) in which pericostal sutures was used for closure of thoracotomy. Outcomes assessed were operative time, time to ambulation, doses of analgesics injected in the epidural catheter, post-operative complications, chest tube drainage, hospital stay, and pain score and use of analgesics during the first post-operative year. RESULTS: All groups had similar demographics, operative time, and incisions length, but in I group, there were significantly a smaller number of lobectomies and pneumonectomies. Patients in I group had significantly lower time to ambulation, epidural doses and post-operative pain score throughout the first week. Patients in the (I group) had a significantly lower pain score throughout the first 9 months post-operatively. Up to 6 months post-operatively, there was significantly less use of analgesics among the I group. CONCLUSION: The combination of retractor-free exposures and neurovascular exclusion sutures for thoracotomy is safe and effective in decreasing post-thoracotomy pain and use of analgesics.

Subcostal nerve injury after laparoscopic lipoma surgery: an unusual culprit for an unusual complication.

Endoscopic surgery has revolutionized the field of minimally invasive surgery. Nerve injury after laparoscopic surgery is presumably rare, with only scarce reports in the literature; however, the use of these techniques for new purposes presents the opportunity for novel complications. The authors report a case of subcostal nerve injury after an anterior laparoscopic approach to a posterior abdominal wall lipoma.A 62-year-old woman presented with a left abdominal flank bulge (pseudohernia) that developed after laparoscopic posterior flank wall lipoma resection. Imaging demonstrated frank ballooning of the oblique muscles; denervation atrophy and thinning of the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis muscles; and thinning of the rectus abdominis muscle. The patient underwent subcostal nerve repair and removal of a foreign plastic material from the laparoscopic procedure. At 8 months, she has regained substantial improvement in abdominal wall strength.Although endoscopic procedures have resulted in significant reduction in morbidity, "minimally invasive" approaches should not be confused with "low risk" when approaching novel pathology. The subcostal nerve is at risk of injury in posterior abdominal wall surgery, whether laparoscopic or not. With the pseudohernia and abdominal bulge after this surgery, the cosmetic appeal of laparoscopic incisions was definitively undone. Selecting an approach based on the anatomy of adjacent structures may lead to a better functional result.

Paralysis of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle after a Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery.

The rectus abdominis muscle is innervated by intercostal nerves T7-T12, and most thoracotomies are performed through the fourth to sixth intercostal spaces, so direct nerve damage to the rectus abdominis seems unlikely. However, at least one trocar is inserted below the seventh intercostal space in most multi-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries (VATSs), and injury of the seventh or lower intercostal nerve with related paralysis of the rectus abdominis is possible, albeit rare. Only two cases of rectus abdominis paralysis caused by after VATSs have been reported, and these cases were not permanent injuries. This is the first report of permanent paralysis of the rectus abdominis after VATSs.

Local Application of Ultrasound Attenuates Neuropathic Allodynia and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Rats After Thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effect of therapeutic ultrasound (TU) on pain sensitivity and the concentration inflammatory cytokines in a thoracotomy rat model. METHODS: Rats were distributed randomly into 4 groups: (1) sham operated, (2) thoracotomy and rib retraction (TRR), (3) TRR rats that received TU (TRR + TU-1), and (4) TRR rats that received TU with the ultrasound turned off (TRR + TU-0). Ultrasound was set at 1-MHz frequency (1.0-W/cm intensity and 100% duty cycle for 5 minutes), began on postoperative day (POD) 10, and then continued once per day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. RESULTS: The TRR and TRR + TU-0 rats encountered tactile hypersensitivity from PODs 10 to 28. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds were increased (all P < 0.05) following 5 days of TU, but thresholds remained significantly lower than baseline values. Therapeutic ultrasound increased the subcutaneous, but not body temperature. All groups receiving TRR demonstrated an increase in concentration of interleukin 1ß and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) on POD 14; however, the rise in TNF-α concentration was less in the TU-treated group than in the others. The decrease in concentration was greatest in the TRR + TU-1 group and similar between the TRR and TRR + TU-0 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical allodynia was partially resolved with TU. Tissue temperature increased with ultrasound, while TU restricted the up-regulation of interleukin 1ß and TNF-α around the injured intercostal nerve.

Does the Surgical Management of the Intercostobrachial Nerve Influence the Postoperatory Paresthesia of the Upper Limb and Life Quality in Breast Cancer Patients?

The aim of our study was to evaluate the extent to which the preservation or the section of the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) influences the development of postoperatoryparesthesia and to assess whether the development of paresthesiamay change the patient's life quality after surgical treatment for breast carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a nonrandomized retrospective study including 100 patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection for infiltrating breast carcinoma associated with axillary lymph node metastases. Using a questionnaire we studied the patients general life quality in the postoperative period. For the statistical analysis we used GraphPad Prism, Fisher'™s exact test and Chi square test. Results: 100 patients were included in our study with a mean age of 59.7 years. In 50 cases, the ICBN was preserved (Group 1),while in the remaining 50 cases the ICBN was sectioned during surgery (Group 2). Significantly more patients from Group 2 complained about postoperative paresthesia (p=0.026). In our series, the management of the ICBN cannot be significantly correlated with the impairment of the patients daily activities (p=0.2), sleeping cycle (p=0.2), and general life quality after surgery (p=0.67). We can conclude that the management of ICBN has a great influence on the development of postoperative paresthesia. Although the paresthesia does not have a negative effect on the patient'™s life quality in the postoperative period, in our opinion it is important to preserve the ICBN in order to prevent postoperative paresthesia.

The Subcostal Nerve During Lateral Approaches to the Lumbar Spine: An Anatomical Study with Relevance for Injury Avoidance and Postoperative Complications Such as Abdominal Wall Hernia.

BACKGROUND: Lateral approaches to the spine are increasing in popularity. However, details of the innervation pattern of the abdominal oblique muscles with the initial dissection have not been well studied. METHODS: Ten adult fresh-frozen cadavers (20 sides) were placed in the lateral position. On each side, the region in which transpsoas approaches are performed, between the iliac crest and the 12th rib, was dissected. The nerves, their course, and their muscular supply were studied. RESULTS: The subcostal nerve is the predominant nerve supply for the anterolateral abdominal muscle innervation. It is larger and has a wider field of distribution and more branches (8 on average) compared with the L1 (4 on average) and 11th intercostal nerves (2 on average 2). The proximal 6-10 cm of each nerve has few if any branches. The subcostal nerve is often (75%) located up to 5 cm inferior to the 12th rib in its initial course. The area of least concentration ("safe zone") is located at an approximate midpoint between the lower edge of the 12th rib and the superior-most aspect of the iliac crest. A previously undescribed branch of the subcostal nerve was found traveling posterior to the quadratus lumborum and joining the remaining subcostal nerve in an anastomosis at or near the lateral position. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the innervation and nerve dominance patterns might help decrease postoperative complications such as sensory deficits or abdominal wall hernias. The subcostal nerve is the dominant nerve in both size and innervation of the oblique muscles in the lateral position, transpsoas approach.

An Intercostal Muscular Hernia as a Consequence of Intercostal Nerve Root Compromise After Trauma to the Thoracic Spine.

'True' intercostal hernias, that is, those containing both pleura and lung components, occur infrequently. Only 300 cases have been reported since Rolland's initial description in 1499. Rarer still are intercostal muscle hernias, which occur without containing pulmonary components. In both instances, males predominate, usually a consequence of direct blunt chest trauma. In many instances, recognition of the intercostal muscle hernia may be delayed from weeks to months, its diagnosis masked by more obvious evidence of physical trauma.

Pain after breast surgery: Etiology, diagnosis, and definitive management.

BACKGROUND: Breast procedures are among the most common surgeries performed by Plastic Surgeons. The prevalence of persistent pain remains unknown. Our experience has been that persistent breast pain is often related to intercostal nerve trauma. The purpose of this article was to increase awareness of this problem while describing the diagnostic and management strategies for patients with post-operative breast pain. METHODS: A retrospective review of 10 patients with breast pain was stratified according to the index surgical procedures: implant-based reconstruction (7), breast reduction (1), breast augmentation (1), and mastopexy (1). Outcomes were assessed with a numerical analog score. Physical examination demonstrated painful trigger points along the pathway of one or more intercostal nerves. Prior to surgery, each patient improved ≥5 points after a diagnostic Xylocaine/Marcaine local anesthesia block of the suspected intercostal nerves. At surgery, one or more intercostal nerves were resected and implanted into adjacent muscles. RESULTS: At a mean of 16.5 months, there were six excellent, one good, and three poor self-reported results. Intercostal nerves resected included the intercostal-brachial (5 patients), 3rd (7 patients), 4th (8 patients), 5th (9 patients), 6th (7 patients), and 7th (1 patient). Multiple intercostal nerves were resected as follows: 3 nerves (4 patients), 4 nerves (1 patient), 5 nerves (3 patients), 6 nerves (1 patient), and 8 nerves (1 patient). CONCLUSIONS: Intercostal neuromas can be the source of breast pain following breast surgery. The same clinical and diagnostic approach used for upper and lower extremity neuroma pain can be used in patients with breast pain. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:535-538, 2016.

A new suture technique avoids rib fractures and intercostal nerve trauma in thoracotomy.

This article describes an alternative suture technique for thoracotomy incisions. A modified mattress suture technique is used to fix the intercostal muscles. The described technique can prevent rib fractures and reduce the incidence of intercostal nerve injury. Also, this technique is easy to perform and is effective.

Flank muscle volume changes after open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To determine the occurrence of flank symptoms, flank muscle atrophy, bulge, and hernia formation after open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our prospective Institutional Review Board-approved database was queried to identify 50 consecutive patients who were treated with open partial nephrectomy (OPN) and 50 consecutive patients who were treated with LPN between September 2006 and May 2008. Study patients had: Solitary clinical T1 renal tumor, preoperative and ≥6 month postoperative CT scan performed at our institution, and a confirmed renal-cell carcinoma on the final pathology report. Patients with previous abdominal surgery and neuromuscular disorders were excluded. Oncocare software was used to measure abdominal wall musculature on preoperative and postoperative CT scan. Bilateral flanks were compared for muscle volume, bulge, and hernia. Patients were administered a phone questionnaire to assess postoperative flank symptoms. RESULTS: No statistical significant difference was found in the demographics between the two groups. Median age (range) was 59.9 years (20.6-80.7) in the OPN group and 57.5 years (25-78) in the LPN group (P=0.89). Median (range) body mass index and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores were similar between the two groups. On CT scans, median percent variation (range) in abdominal wall muscle volume was significantly greater in the OPN group: -1.03% (-31.4-1.5) vs-0.39% (-5.2-1.8) (P=0.006). The median extent of flank bulge on CT scans (range) was also greater in the OPN group: 0.75 cm (-1.9-7.6) vs 0 cm (-2.7-2.8) (P=0.0004). The OPN group was also more symptomatic, including paresthesia 48% vs 8% (P=0.0053); numbness 44% vs 0% (P=0.002); and flank bulge 57% vs 12% (P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive partial nephrectomy has lesser deleterious impact on flank muscle volume compared with OPN with fewer symptoms of flank bulge, paresthesia, and numbness.

Chest tube insertion is one important factor leading to intercostal nerve impairment in thoracic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Chest tube insertion seems to be one important factor leading to intercostal nerve impairment. The purpose of this prospective study was to objectively evaluate intercostal nerve damage using current perception threshold testing in association with chest tube insertion. METHODS: Sixteen patients were enrolled in this study. Intercostal nerve function was assessed with a series of 2000-Hz (Aß fiber), 250-Hz (Aδ fiber), and 5-Hz (C fiber) stimuli using current perception threshold testing (Neurometer CPT/C(®)). Current perception threshold values at chest tube insertion were measured before surgery, during chest tube insertion and after removal of the chest tube. Intensities of ongoing pain were also assessed using a numeric rating scale (0-10). RESULTS: Current perception thresholds at each frequency after surgery were significantly higher than before surgery. Numeric rating scale scores for pain were significantly reduced from 3.3 to 1.9 after removal of the chest tube (p = 0.004). The correlation between current perception threshold value at 2000 Hz and intensity of ongoing pain was marginally significant (p = 0.058). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to objectively evaluate intercostal nerve damage at chest tube insertion. The results confirmed that chest tube insertion has clearly deleterious effects on intercostal nerve function.