Long-term Pain and Activity during Recovery from Major Thoracotomy Using Thoracic Epidural Analgesia

Abstract

Initiation of thoracic epidural analgesia prior to incision or the use of a muscle-sparing incision did not significantly impact pain or physical activity. Although women reported significantly greater pain during hospitalization and after discharge, they experienced fewer complications, were more likely to be discharged from the hospital sooner, and were just as active after discharge as men.