Post-thoracotomy Pain

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp, burning, or aching pain along the surgical incision site or around the ribs
• Increased pain with breathing, coughing, or upper body movement
• Numbness or hypersensitivity in the skin over the ribs or chest wall
• Pain that persists months after surgery with no sign of infection or structural complication

Common Causes

This condition is typically caused by:

• Direct trauma to intercostal nerves during thoracotomy or minimally invasive procedures
• Compression of nerves by scar tissue or surgical implants
• Entrapment of nerves between ribs during healing
• Post-surgical inflammation or neuroma formation

How Cryoneurolysis Helps

Barcelona Cryo Center uses ultrasound-guided cryoneurolysis to target the specific intercostal nerves responsible for pain after thoracic surgery. By applying precision cold therapy, the affected nerve is safely and temporarily deactivated — stopping the transmission of chronic pain signals without damaging surrounding tissues.

Key Benefits:

• Non-opioid, outpatient treatment: No need for ongoing medication or invasive surgery
• Precise and reversible: Only the affected sensory nerve is treated, preserving function
• Effective for chronic and neuropathic pain: Especially useful when other therapies have failed
• Minimal downtime: Most patients resume normal activity within 24 hours
• Long-lasting relief: Cryoneurolysis results often last for months and can be repeated

Ideal Candidates

You may benefit from cryoneurolysis if you:

• Have persistent chest wall pain months after thoracotomy or VATS surgery
• Feel burning, tingling, or stabbing pain near your surgical scar
• Have reduced quality of life or limited breathing due to ongoing chest pain
• Are seeking a targeted, minimally invasive treatment that avoids narcotics

Find Lasting Relief

Post-thoracotomy pain can interfere with recovery, limit mobility, and diminish daily quality of life. Cryoneurolysis offers a safe, evidence-based solution to interrupt pain at its source and help you regain freedom of movement and comfort.

Book your consultation with Barcelona Cryo Center today.

Request a Consultation