Study of Postoperative ICC Analgesia

"Intercostal continuous loco-regional ropivacaine (2 mg/ml) administration over an elastomeric pump through a surgically placed intercostal catheter (ICC) for a maximum of 72h.~As concomitant treatments a standardized anesthesia protocol including intravenous continuous application of propofol and remifentanil is used. Additionally, i.v. metamizol at a dose of 1 g will be administered at the end of surgery as a standard, if not contraindicated.~In a standardized postoperative pain protocol the use of basic oral medication is documented as part of the postoperative follow-up and consists of:~ibuprofen 3 x 400 mg p. o. for 3 days, metamizol 4 x 1 g p. o. for 3 days; if ibuprofen and/or metamizol contraindicated then paracetamol p. o. 3 x 1g for 3 days will be administered; morphine 10 mg p. o. 6 times daily will be given on a patient demand basis."

"Intercostal continuous loco-regional placebo solution (NaCl 0,9%) administration over an elastomeric pump through a surgically placed intercostal catheter (ICC) for a maximum of 72h. As concomitant treatments a standardized anesthesia protocol including intravenous continuous application of propofol and remifentanil is used. Additionally, i.v. metamizol at a dose of 1 g will be administered at the end of surgery as a standard, if not contraindicated.~In a standardized postoperative pain protocol the use of basic oral medication is documented as part of the postoperative follow-up and consists of:~ibuprofen 3 x 400 mg p. o. for 3 days, metamizol 4 x 1 g p. o. for 3 days; if ibuprofen and/or metamizol contraindicated then paracetamol p. o. 3 x 1g for 3 days will be administered; morphine 10 mg p. o. 6 times daily will be given on a patient demand basis."