title: Postthoracotomy Pain Syndrome Following Surgery for Lung Cancer: Symptoms and Impact on Quality of Life.
abstract: Postthoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is a common complication following thoracic surgery. Most studies examining the influence of PTPS on patient-reported symptoms include few patients managed using a minimally invasive approach. Associated sensory changes, potentially neuropathic in origin, are not well described. We therefore examined the symptoms and quality of life (QOL) of patients with and without PTPS who underwent a standard thoracotomy (n = 43) or minimally invasive surgery (n = 54). Patients in this prospective, cross-sectional study completed questionnaires to assess pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire), neuropathic symptoms (Neuropathic Symptom Questionnaire), symptom distress (Symptom Distress Scale), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and QOL (Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Lung). Excepting younger age (p = .009), no demographic or surgical characteristic differentiated patients with and without PTPS. Patients with PTPS described discomfort as pain only (15.1%), neuropathic symptoms only (30.2%) or pain and neuropathic symptoms (54.7%). Scores differed between patients with and without PTPS for symptom distress (p < .001), anxiety and depression (p < .001), and QOL (p = .009), with higher distress associated with PTPS. Despite new surgical techniques, PTPS remains common and results in considerable distress. A focused assessment is needed to identify all experiencing this condition, with referral to pain management specialists if symptoms persist.
authors.affiliation: Carlow University College of Health and Wellness, Department of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
authors.forename: Kathleen G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Hopkins
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
authors.forename: Leslie A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
authors.forename: Annette De Vito
authors.initials: Ade V
authors.lastname: Dabbs
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
authors.forename: Peter F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Ferson
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: King
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
authors.forename: Linda A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Dudjak
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Zullo
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
authors.forename: Margaret Q
authors.initials: MQ
authors.lastname: Rosenzweig