However , intercostal nerve injury seems to be the most important pathogenic factor .
Chronic pain complaints after thoracic surgery represent a significant clinical problem in 25 - 60 % of patients .
Results from thoracic and other surgical procedures suggest multiple pathogenic mechanisms that include pre- , intra- , and postoperative factors .
This review attempts to analyse the methodology and systematic s of the studies on the  post-thoracotomy pain syndrome ( PTPS ) after lung cancer surgery in adults , in order to clarify the relative role of possible pathogenic factors and to define future strategies for prevention .
Five-Year Follow-Up of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic or Open Groin Hernia Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Objective To compare laparoscopic with open hernia repair in a r and omized clinical trial at a median follow-up of 5 years . Summary Background Data Follow-up of patients in clinical trials evaluating laparoscopic hernia repair  has been short . Methods Of 379 consecutive patients admitted for surgery under the care of one surgeon , 300 were r and omized to totally extraperitoneal hernia repair or open repair , with the open operation individualized to the patient ’s age and hernia type . All patients , both r and omized and nonr and omized , were followed up by clinical examination annually by an independent observer . Results Recurrence rates were similar for both r and omized groups . In 1 of the 79 nonr and omized patients , a recurrent hernia developed . Groin or testicular pain was the most common symptom on follow-up of r and omized patients . The most common reason for reoperation was development of a contralateral hernia , which was noted in 9 % of patients ; 11 % of all patients died on follow-up , mainly as a result of cardiovascular disease or cancer . Conclusions These data show a similar outcome for laparoscopic and open hernia repair , and both procedures have a place in managing this common problem
However , intercostal nerve injury seems to be the most important pathogenic factor .
Chronic pain complaints after thoracic surgery represent a significant clinical problem in 25 - 60 % of patients .
Results from thoracic and other surgical procedures suggest multiple pathogenic mechanisms that include pre- , intra- , and postoperative factors .
This review attempts to analyse the methodology and systematic s of the studies on the  post-thoracotomy pain syndrome ( PTPS ) after lung cancer surgery in adults , in order to clarify the relative role of possible pathogenic factors and to define future strategies for prevention .