What is the postthoracotomy pain syndrome?
The pain from thoracotomy encompasses the acute postoperative pain that resolves (usually within 3 months) and pain that persists longer than 3 months or recurs at the surgical site. The latter either is of neuropathic origin (as seen in postmastectomy axillary numbness) or may represent tumor recurrence. When pain recurs after a pain-free interval, infection or tumor recurrence should be ruled out.
