Comparing Cryoanalgesia and Thoracic Epidural Block for Pain Relief After Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare two different methods of pain relief after surgery to correct pectus excavatum, a chest deformity. The study focuses on evaluating intraoperative cryoanalgesia of the intercostal nerves versus thoracic epidural block in the postoperative period following minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum MIRPE. The goal is to determine which method better manages pain and affects recovery outcomes such as hospital stay length. Participants will receive one of two treatments during surgery intercostal nerve cryoanalgesia using the Cryo-S Painless device from Metrum Cryoflex, or a thoracic epidural block. These approaches are being studied to assess their effectiveness as analgesic methods in the perioperative period. The study is randomized and does not use masking or blinding. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor outcomes including length of hospital stay, pain levels measured by numeric scales, opioid use, postoperative complications within 30 days, hospital readmissions, neuropathic pain up to one year after surgery, patient satisfaction at six months, and hospitalization costs. Participants will be followed during the immediate postoperative period and over months to capture these measures, ensuring comprehensive assessment of recovery and pain management.

Intraoperative Cryoanalgesia Versus Thoracic Epidural Block in MIRPE (Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum)