Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation During Pectus Excavatum Surgery for Postoperative Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors' conclusion
This systematic review suggests CRYO during PEx repair is associated with a significantly shorter hospital LOS, as well as decreased opioid consumption both in the hospital and after discharge. Complications were infrequent and time-limited.
Study context
- Population
- Patients undergoing the Nuss or Ravitch procedure for pectus excavatum (PEx) repair, studies 2014–24
- Participants
- 13,103 patients · 32 comparative studies
- Comparison
- Cryoablation (CRYO) vs non-CRYO
- CRYOn = 3,620
- Outcome
- Hospital LOS and opioid consumption
Methodological detailsrandom effects meta-analysis
- Random effects meta-analysis
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Difference in length of stay (LOS)
1.8 days
95% CI −2.12 to −1.42
significantly shortened LOS
Reduction in inpatient opioid consumption
186 MME
95% CI −262.26 to −109.08
Hospital LOS and opioid consumption
Reduction in outpatient opioid consumption
147 MME
95% CI −255.72 to −38.26
Hospital LOS and opioid consumption
Further pooled results
- Hospital costs were similar
- Summarized qualitatively
Original publication
Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation During Pectus Excavatum Surgery for Postoperative Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ann Surg. Published 25 July 2025. doi:10.
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