[Postoperative pain in the acute phase after surgery: VATS lobectomy vs. open lung resection - results of a prospective randomised trial].

INTRODUCTION

Minimally invasive procedures, e.g. video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy, are less traumatic and thus one may expect a lower level of postoperative pain compared to open procedures. This assumption is supported by several studies/metaanalyses. However, confirmation by larger prospective randomised studies is lacking. In the present study we analysed 2 groups of patients with lobectomy for early-stage lung cancer performed by VATS or by antero-lateral thoracotomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

66 patients with early-stage NSC lung cancer were randomised to VATS lobectomy (A) or open resection (B). Two patients from A were excluded. The 2 groups were equally large (n = 32). All patients received the same analgetic therapy regime during and after surgery. We defined the early postoperative period as the first 10 days after operation and evaluated the intensity of pain (assessed by NAS) and the medication. Data acquisition was performed until discharge or the 10th postoperative day.

RESULTS

21 values for mean NAS were calculated for both groups and each situation (at rest or under movement). For 8 a significant difference resulted in favour of VATS. In open thoracotomy the postoperative pain level was acceptable (NAS < 4) due to our well established pain control management. Also, 3 categories of patients with a very low pain profile were defined: patients with NAS not over 4 at any point, patients without any pain (NAS = 0) after a certain point or patients discharged without any pain. The VATS procedure showed a higher proportion of patients in all 3 categories: 17 in A vs. 7 in B had a max. NAS of 4 during the course; 20 vs. 11 were free of pain at certain times and 22 vs. 12 were discharged without pain. For both groups a painless postoperative course was achieved on day 6 (range, 4-10 days for A/3-10 for B). The medication was adjusted according to intensity. A difference was seen in favour of VATS for Sufentanil + Ropivacain via PDK and for Piritramid i. v.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of procedure (VATS vs. open) pain control can be achieved with an adequate analgetic regime. For VATS during the first days a lower amount of medication is required. The VATS group showed a higher proportion of patients with very low postoperative pain profile: patients with pain score always under 4 and patients without pain at certain points before the 10th postoperative day or at discharge.