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  • Title: Perioperative ketamine does not prevent chronic pain after thoracotomy.
    Author: Dualé C, Sibaud F, Guastella V, Vallet L, Gimbert YA, Taheri H, Filaire M, Schoeffler P, Dubray C.
    Journal: Eur J Pain; 2009 May; 13(5):497-505. PubMed ID: 18783971.
    Abstract:
    Thoracotomy is often responsible for chronic pain, possibly of neuropathic origin. To confirm preclinical studies, the preventive effects of perioperative ketamine were tested in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on persistent neuropathic pain after thoracotomy. Eighty-six patients scheduled for thoracotomy under standardised general anaesthesia were randomised to receive either ketamine (1 mg kg(-1) at the induction, 1 mg kg(-1) h(-1) during surgery, then 1 mg kg(-1) during 24 h; n=42) or normal saline (n=44). Postoperative analgesia included a single dose of intrapleural ropivacaine, intravenous paracetamol and nefopam, and patient-controlled intravenous morphine. Vital parameters and analgesia were recorded during the 48 first postoperative hours. Seventy-three patients were followed up. The patient's chest was examined 1-2 weeks, 6 weeks and 4 months after surgery. At the last two observations, spontaneous pain score over a one-week period (visual analogue scale), neuropathic pain score (NPSI), and intake of analgesics, were assessed. No drug affecting neuropathic pain (except opiates) was given during the follow-up. Two patients in each group were lost to follow-up after the 6 week visit. Ketamine improved immediate postoperative pain, but the groups were similar in terms of neuropathic pain and intake of analgesics, 6 weeks (NPSI score: ketamine: 1.25 [0-4.125]; placebo: 1 [0-4]) and 4 months after surgery. Thus, ketamine given in 24-h infusion failed to prevent chronic neuropathic pain after thoracotomy. Other perioperative preventive long-lasting treatments or techniques could be tested in this context.
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