The Clinical journal of pain
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with chronic pain after major thoracotomy.
The characteristics and etiology of long-term pain after major thoracotomy and methods for its prevention have yet to be established. ⋯ Postoperative pain that persists but eventually dissipates was a common finding whose intensity was associated with immediate preoperative and postoperative pain levels. In contrast, pain later on during hospitalization, its impact, and perceived analgesic effectiveness best identified those who would continue to report pain almost 1 year after surgery.