1. Does a Multimodal No-Compression Suture Technique of the Intercostal Space Reduce Chronic Postthoracotomy Pain? A Prospective Randomized Study 
Mohsen Ibrahim, MD, PhD, Cecilia Menna, MD, Claudio Andreetti, MD, PhD, Carlos Puyo, MD, Giulio Maurizi, MD, Antonio D’Andrilli, MD, Anna Maria Ciccone, MD, PhD, Domenico Massullo, MD, Camilla Vanni, MD, Giammauro Berardi, MD, Rossella Baldini, MD, Erino Angelo Rendina, MD 
Journal of Thoracic Oncology 
Volume 11, Issue 9, Pages (September 2016)
DOI: /j.jtho
Copyright © 2016 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Terms and Conditions

2. Figure 1
Flow diagram of patients. IMF, intercostal muscle flap harvesting and pericostal no-compression “edge” suture; IINB, intrapleural intercostal nerve block.
Journal of Thoracic Oncology  , DOI: ( /j.jtho )
Copyright © 2016 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Terms and Conditions

3. Figure 2
(A and A1) Intercostal muscle flap preparation. (B and B1) The use of gauze to cover the ribs while using the retractor. (C and C1) Closure of the intercostal space. (D and D1) Neurovascular bundle preservation.
Journal of Thoracic Oncology  , DOI: ( /j.jtho )
Copyright © 2016 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Terms and Conditions

4. Figure 3
(A) Muscle-sparing thoracotomy. (B and C) Intrapleural intercostal nerve block.
Journal of Thoracic Oncology  , DOI: ( /j.jtho )
Copyright © 2016 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Terms and Conditions

5. Figure 4
Average pain scores across time. IINB, intrapleural intercostal nerve block; IMF, intercostal muscle flap harvesting and pericostal no-compression “edge” suture.
Journal of Thoracic Oncology  , DOI: ( /j.jtho )
Copyright © 2016 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Terms and Conditions