ArticleJHLT open2024
Intercostal nerve cryoablation as part of an opioid-sparing protocol reduces opioid and epidural use after lung transplant.
Article in JHLT open, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation Therapy in Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery for Postoperative Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Interdisciplinary cardiovascular and thoracic surgery · 2026Pooled it
- Impact of intercostal nerve cryoablation on opioid use in pleural mesothelioma surgery: results from a high-volume integrated regional center.Journal of thoracic disease · 2026Article
- Impact of anesthetic drugs and modalities on the postoperative outcomes in cancer patients: a literature review.Frontiers in medicine · 2026Review
- Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
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. The postcryo cohort received intercostal nerve cryoablation at levels 3 to 7, scheduled acetaminophen, gabapentin, and tramadol. Additional opioids or epidural catheters were used for breakthrough pain. Results: In total, 49 precryo and 40 postcryo patients were analyzed. Baseline demographics were similar aside from a shift to performing more bilateral lung transplants in the postcryo cohort (57% vs 95%, Conclusions: The implementation of a perioperative pain management protocol that included intercostal nerve cryoablation was associated with a significant reduction in epidural utilization and opioid use during index hospitalization and upon discharge. Further research is needed to understand the impact on outcomes.
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