Quirónsalud Málaga: New Technique Eliminates Post-Op Pain in Pediatric Surgery
Cryoanalgesia Reduces post-op Pain in Pediatric Chest Surgery
Table of Contents
- Cryoanalgesia Reduces post-op Pain in Pediatric Chest Surgery
- Cryoanalgesia for Pediatric Chest Surgery: Yoru Questions answered
- What is cryoanalgesia, and how is it used in pediatric chest surgery?
- How does cryoanalgesia work?
- What are the benefits of using cryoanalgesia in pediatric chest surgery?
- What types of surgeries benefit from cryoanalgesia?
- How long does the pain relief from cryoanalgesia last?
- Where is this technique being implemented?
- Who is involved in this multidisciplinary project?
- What is the typical procedure before surgery?
- What were the initial results of cryoanalgesia?
- What is the goal of this new approach?
- What is the WHO analgesic ladder?
- Summary of Cryoanalgesia Benefits vs. Traditional Pain Management
MALAGA, Spain – A novel technique is offering relief to pediatric patients undergoing surgery for pectus excavatum, also known as sunken chest. The Pain Unit at a hospital in Malaga has incorporated intercostal cryoanalgesia to improve patient recovery.
Minimally Invasive Pain Relief
intercostal cryoanalgesia is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the function of intercostal nerves, preventing pain during and after surgery, according to Dr. Rodrigo de la Oliva, a pain and anesthesiology specialist.

The hospital said in a statement that three patients have already been treated with intercostal cryoanalgesia on an outpatient basis four days before corrective surgery. the initial results are promising.
AndalusiaS First Private Center to Use Technique
De la oliva stated that patients required no additional intraoperative analgesia beyond basic pain relief. Postoperative care did not necessitate opioids or stronger analgesics, with treatment limited to the first step of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) analgesic ladder within a multimodal approach. Patients experienced early discharge,rapid recovery,and no pain-related complications,leading to greater comfort for both patients and their families by avoiding side effects from potent analgesics.
the hospital is the first private center in Andalusia to implement this technique as part of the surgical treatment for sunken chest. Hospital officials announced that this initiative marks the beginning of a multidisciplinary project between the Pain Unit and the Anesthesiology and Pediatric Surgery Services.
How Cryoanalgesia Works
According to the hospital, cryoanalgesia involves temporarily and reversibly blocking the function of the intercostal nerves. An extremely cold temperature of -70°C (-94°F) is applied for two minutes to each selected nerve using a specific probe under ultrasound guidance.
The goal is to eliminate the conduction of painful stimuli during the intra- and postoperative period, especially in intrinsically painful surgeries such as the minimally invasive Nuss procedure for correcting pectus excavatum, where a metal bar is placed behind the sternum, the pain specialist said.
The analgesic effect can last up to six months, coinciding with the period of greatest sensitivity and functional recovery after surgery, he added.
Looking Ahead
hospital officials said that with Dr. Rodrigo de la Oliva as a leader in this technique, the Anesthesiology Service and Pain Unit, led by dr. Ignacio Marín Alonso and Dr. Alfonso navas Barceló,continue to expand their care offerings and attract prestigious professionals.
The hospital also thanked Dr. Carlos Ávila Zurita, a pediatric anesthesiologist, for his involvement in the procedure, and Dr. Alexander Siles Hinojosa,head of Pediatric Surgery,for promoting this new surgical approach focused on patient care and comfort.
Hospital officials concluded that this project represents a line of work with a promising future, aimed at improving the perioperative quality and well-being of children undergoing pectus excavatum surgery. The combination of modern surgical techniques and innovative analgesic strategies allows us to move toward more humane, effective, and patient-centered medicine.
Cryoanalgesia for Pediatric Chest Surgery: Yoru Questions answered
What is cryoanalgesia, and how is it used in pediatric chest surgery?
Cryoanalgesia is a minimally invasive technique used to provide pain relief.In pediatric chest surgery, specifically for conditions like pectus excavatum (sunken chest), it’s employed to manage pain during and after surgery. This approach blocks the function of intercostal nerves, which carry pain signals.
How does cryoanalgesia work?
Cryoanalgesia works by temporarily and reversibly blocking the function of intercostal nerves. A specific probe is used under ultrasound guidance to apply an extremely cold temperature of -70°C (-94°F) to each selected nerve for two minutes.
What are the benefits of using cryoanalgesia in pediatric chest surgery?
The primary benefits include:
- Reduced pain during and after surgery.
- Reduced need for strong painkillers, including opioids.
- Faster recovery.
- Early discharge from the hospital.
- improved comfort for the patient and their family.
What types of surgeries benefit from cryoanalgesia?
The article mentions that cryoanalgesia is especially beneficial in intrinsically painful surgeries. Specifically, it is being used to improve outcomes for pediatric patients undergoing the minimally invasive Nuss procedure for correcting pectus excavatum, where a metal bar is placed behind the sternum.
How long does the pain relief from cryoanalgesia last?
According to the article, the analgesic effect can last up to six months. This duration aligns with the period of greatest sensitivity and functional recovery after surgery.
Where is this technique being implemented?
The pain Unit at a hospital in Malaga, Spain, has started using intercostal cryoanalgesia. The hospital is the first private center in Andalusia to implement this technique.
Who is involved in this multidisciplinary project?
The project involves collaboration between:
- The Pain Unit
- Anesthesiology Services (led by Dr. Ignacio Marín Alonso and Dr. Alfonso Navas Barceló)
- Pediatric Surgery Services (led by Dr. Alexander Siles Hinojosa)
- Dr. Rodrigo de la Oliva,a pain and anesthesiology specialist
- Dr. Carlos Ávila Zurita, a pediatric anesthesiologist
What is the typical procedure before surgery?
Patients are treated on an outpatient basis four days before corrective pectus excavatum surgery.
What were the initial results of cryoanalgesia?
The initial results are promising, with patients experiencing:
- No need for additional intraoperative analgesia beyond basic pain relief.
- No need for opioids or stronger analgesics postoperatively.
- Early discharge.
- Rapid recovery.
- No pain-related complications.
What is the goal of this new approach?
The goal is to improve the perioperative quality and well-being of children undergoing pectus excavatum surgery.The combination of modern surgical techniques and innovative analgesic strategies aims to provide more humane, effective, and patient-centered medicine.
What is the WHO analgesic ladder?
The article mentions that treatment was limited to the first step of the World Health Institution’s (WHO) analgesic ladder as part of a multimodal approach.Sadly, the specific details of the WHO analgesic ladder aren’t provided in the article.
Summary of Cryoanalgesia Benefits vs. Traditional Pain Management
Hear’s a summary table highlighting the key differences:
| Feature | Cryoanalgesia | Traditional Pain Management (as implied) |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Relief | Effective during and after surgery | May require stronger analgesics, including opioids |
| Medication Usage | Reduced need for strong analgesics (including opioids) | May require more potent analgesics |
| Recovery | faster recovery, early discharge | Potentially slower recovery, longer hospital stay |
| Side Effects | Avoids side effects from potent analgesics | Potential for side effects from stronger pain medication |
| Patient Comfort | Greater comfort for patients and families | Potentially less cozy due to pain or side effects. |
