Late Postoperative Complications

James M. Clark, MD, Elizabeth A. David, MD, MAS

Key Points

Late postoperative complications are fortunately uncommon after thoracic surgical procedures; however, their rarity makes them even more important to understand. Meticulous surgical technique at the time of the original operation is the best way to avoid late postoperative complications, but not all are avoidable. Chronic pain is the most common late complication of thoracic surgical procedures and a multi-modality approach is key to proper management.

Postoperative complications are sometimes unavoidable but are best avoided by careful patient selection and meticulous attention to surgical technique.

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