title: [Thoracic epidural catheter: reasonable or over-instrumentation?].
abstract: The efficient and persisting treatment of the pain accompanying thoracic surgery is fundamental and beneficial for patients, since severe postoperative pulmonary complications and the incidence of chronic pain will be reduced. In this review the role of thoracic epidural analgesia in preventing and treating pain after thoracic surgery will be discussed critically and alternative strategies presented.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Deutschland.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Loop
mesh_terms: D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013908:Thoracotomy