October 2009, Vol 136, No. 4_MeetingAbstracts Abstract: Poster Presentations | October 2009
CLOSURE OF THORACOTOMY WITH RESORBABLE PLATES VERSUS CLASSIC INTERCOSTAL SUTURES Maria-Jose Alcaide, MD; Emilio A. Canalis, MD*; Aleydis Caro, MD; Cristina Gonçalves, MD; Anna Palau, MD; Andrea Jimenez, MD; Xavier Aguilar, MD; Alfonso Guedea, MD; Nuria Argiles, MD; Lidia Macias, MD; Veronika Ashmannova, MD Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII, IISPV, URV, Tarragona, Spain Chest Chest. 2009;136(4_MeetingAbstracts):141S. doi:10.1378/chest.136.4_MeetingAbstracts.141S Abstract PURPOSE: Postoperative chronic pain syndrome is a common complication after surgery, by damage to intercostal nerves especially by encircling sutures for closing. LactosorbR plating system was introduced for indications other than chest surgery. With a unique co-polimer chemistry, it is a well proven product in its field. It is already used in thoracic surgery for pectus repair.Our objectives are to prove that resorbable plates may reduce the intensity of postoperative pain, and to show that plates can be effective and safe when used for this new indication. METHODS: A prospective study included thoracotomies for lung cancer lobectomy between january and september of 2008. After informed consent, patients were randomized for plate closing (P) and classic closing (C). The intensity of pain was measured by numerical scale (NS) and Lattinen multivariable test (LT) 2 months after surgery. Morbility and mortality were recorded to 2 months after thoracotomy. RESULTS: 31 patients were included: 15 in the P group and 16 in the C group. The groups proved to be homogeneous for demographic and clinical characteristics. The median scores in NS were P = 2 (0–9) versus C= 3 (0–9). The median scores in LT were P = 4 (0–14) versus C= 5 (0–10). Due to the lack of statistical power of this preliminary series, the differences were not statistically significant, but a trend to better results of the plate closure group was registered. There was no mortality and morbility was similar in the two groups. No closure failures were observed in either group. CONCLUSION: Plate system closure proved to be feasible and safe, with no complications and better tolerated. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: We believe that inclusion of more cases and a longer follow up may make more evident the advantage in the use of plate closure of thoracothomy. DISCLOSURE: Emilio Canalis, No Financial Disclosure Information; No Product/Research Disclosure Information Wednesday, November 4, 2009 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM