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Abstract
Context: Neuropathic pain is a common and distressing symptom in thoracic surgical patients. When it consistently presents with measurable sensory changes in a circumscribed area, neuropathic pain can be diagnosed as localized neuropathic pain (LNP).
Objective: The purpose of this study was to report the efficacy of lidocaine 5% medicated plaster (Lido5%P) in the treatment of LNP in thoracic surgical patients.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of sixteen cancer and noncancer thoracic patients treated with Lido5%P for LNP. Patients had been assessed before and during treatment with standardized forms and questionnaires for pain intensity, sleep quality, drug dosages and adverse events.
Results: Treatment with Lido5%P yielded a significant and lasting improvement in pain symptomatology. In oncological patients as an add-on therapy, Lido5%P improved pain intensity and sleep quality, and delayed opioid dose escalation. In non-oncological patients as monotherapy or in association with antineuropathic drugs, Lido5%P attenuated LNP. No local or systemic adverse events were recorded.
Conclusions: Lido5%P was effective in relieving thoracic LNP, and was well tolerated.
Transparency
Declaration of funding
This study was not funded. Priority services are paid for by the authors.
Ulderico Freo
Carlo Ori
Francesco Ambrosio
Declaration of financial/other relationships
U.F., C.O., and F.A. have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with or financial interests in any commercial companies related to this study or article.
CMRO peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank doctor Maurizio Furnari for his help with this study.