Comparing Erector Spinae Catheter and Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation for Pain Relief After Pectus Excavatum Surgery in Teens and Young Adults

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare two pain management methods after the Nuss procedure, a surgery for pectus excavatum, a chest wall deformity. The study will evaluate time to reach physical therapy goals, long-term functional outcomes, postoperative opioid use, numbness on the chest, return of sensation, and incidence of neuropathic pain or other complications. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an erector spinae ES catheter or intercostal nerve cryoablation INC. The study is sponsored by Childrens Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, and involves patients aged 12 to 21 years. Participants will receive either the ES catheter or INC according to hospital procedures for postoperative pain control. Both are procedures aimed at managing pain after surgery. Treatments will be delivered as part of the hospitals standard protocols. The study will follow participants for up to 12 months after surgery, collecting data on pain control and recovery. During the study, participants will complete surveys up to one year postoperatively to track opioid use, numbness, neuropathic pain, and other outcomes. The primary outcome is the time to reach hospital discharge within 10 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes include opioid use from surgery day to one year, numbness on the chest on surgery day and postoperative day 1, and neuropathic pain assessed at several points up to 12 months. Safety and recovery will be closely monitored throughout the study period.

ES Catheter vs Cryoablation After Pectus Surgery