Can VATS cause nerve damage?

The prevalence of chronic pain was 40% after thoracotomy and 47% after VATS. Definite chronic neuropathic pain was present in 23% of the patients with chronic pain, with an additional 30% having probable neuropathic pain.

How long does nerve pain last after VATS surgery?

Forty-eight (25.9%) patients developed postoperative neuropathic pain, and 9 (18.8%) of these patients reported pain that persisted one year postoperatively. The median interval from surgical treatment to neuropathic pain onset was 7 days, and the median duration of neuropathic pain was 50 days.

Can a chest tube cause nerve damage?

Placing chest tubes far into the thorax can result in perforation of heart, injuries to large vessels, perforation of the oesophagus, and nerve injuries.

How long does it take for nerves to heal after lung surgery?

Your Recovery It is common to feel tired for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Your chest may hurt and be swollen for up to 6 weeks. It may ache or feel stiff for up to 3 months. For up to 3 months, you may also feel tightness, itching, numbness, or tingling around the cut (incision) the doctor made.

What is post thoracotomy syndrome?

Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome or PTPS (chronic post-thoracotomy pain or post-thoracotomy neuralgia) is defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) as ‘pain that recurs or persists along a thoracotomy incision at least two months following the surgical procedure’.

How long does it take to recover from VATS procedure?

In general, you may be able to return to work (if you have a sedentary job), resume driving and participate in most non-strenuous activities within 4 to 6 weeks after minimally invasive thoracic surgery. You can resume heavy lifting and other more strenuous activities within 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.

What helps nerve pain after lung surgery?

Thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is nowadays considered to be the gold standard technique in pain management, usually recommended to be the first line after thoracic surgery. It provides a better pain relief than opioid PCA treatment and permits a faster recovery.

What is intercostal nerve damage?

Intercostal neuralgia is caused by injury and inflammation to the intercostal nerves. The intercostal nerves branch off of the spinal cord and run under your ribs. Several different conditions and injuries can damage these nerves.