Overview
Post thoracotomy pain syndrome still affects 50% of patients after a thoracic surgery. Pathogenesis is unclear but there is growing evidence that neuro inflammation may play a significant role. Dexamethasone is a very potent anti-inflammatory drug. The hypothesis of this study is that dexamethasone, given pre operatively, would help reduce the incidence of post thoracotomy pain syndrome 3 months after surgery, by reducing the inflammatory response, in patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery that includes thoracic epidural analgesia.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- elective thoracic surgery using a thoracotomy incision and thoracic epidural analgesia
- ASA I-III
- age 18-75 yo
Exclusion Criteria:
- contra-indication to thoracic epidural analgesia
- patient refusal
- patients already taking cortisone or dexamethasone
- patients on chronic opioid medication