New Thoracotomy Closure, a Simple Way to Decrease Chronic Post-Operative Pain in Selected Patients-Blinded Prospective Study.

The lower recorded pain scores in patients with extra-costal chest closure are a strong argument to use this technique. Its ease of use is similar to the classic peri-costal closure, and the time needed to perform it is not significantly increased. The association of this technique with less invasive procedures and short drainage duration limits chronic post-operative pain. This procedure may represent an option for decreasing healthcare costs associated with the management of PTPS.