A patient after undergoing thoracotomy complaints of severe pain. The BEST method of pain control in the patient would be:
High-Yield Explanation
Cryoanalgesia involves the application of subzero temperatures to neurons. Indications for cryoanalgesia: 1. Trigeminal neuralgia 2. Pain due to post-thoracotomy neuromas 3. Persistent pain after rib fractures 4. Post herpetic neuralgia 5. Various peripheral neuropathies Instead of chemical neurolysis, cryoanalgesia and radiofrequency ablation have also been used in intercostal nerve blockade. Ref: Abrams' Angiography: Interventional Radiology By Herbe L. Abrams, Stanley Baum, M.D., Michael J. Pentecost, 2006, Page 45; Cancer Rehabilitation: Principles and Practice By Michael O'Dell, MD, Michael Stubblefield, MD, 2009, Page 499.