What is the best pain control after thoracic surgery?

Thoracotomy induces severe postoperative pain, which can cause respiratory complications, such as hypoxia, atelectasis, and pulmonary infections (1). In addition, inadequate pain control can lead to post-thoracotomy pain syndrome, which may continue for many years (2-4); thus, appropriate pain management is essential after surgery. The most common pain management after chest surgery is epidural analgesia (EPI).