Evaluating Persistent Postoperative Pain in One Tertiary Hospital: Incidence, Quality of Life, Associated Factors, and Treatment

Abstract

BackgroundPersistent postoperative pain (PPP) is defined as persistent pain after surgery of greater than three months’ duration.ObjectivesIdentify the incidence of PPP in our hospital and its associated factors; evaluate quality of life (QoL) and treatment of patients.Patients and MethodsWe conducted an observational prospective study in adults proposed to various types of surgery using the brief pain inventory short form preoperatively (T0), one day after surgery, and three months later (T3). If the patient had pain at T3 and other causes of pain were excluded, they were considered to have PPP, and the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form was applied. QoL was measured with the EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D).ResultsOne hundred seventy-five patients completed the study. The incidence of PPP was 28%, and the affected patients presented lower QoL. The majority referred to a moderate to severe level of interference in their general activity. Cholecystectomies were less associated with PPP, and total knee/hip replacements were more associated with it. Preoperative pain, preoperative benzodiazepines or antidepressants, and more severe acute postoperative pain were associated with the development of PPP. Half of the patients with PPP were under treatment, and they refer a mean symptomatic relief of 69%.ConclusionsThis study, apart from attempting to better characterize the problem of PPP, emphasizes the lack of its treatment.

Intercostal Catheters for Postoperative Pain Management in VATS Reduce Opioid Consumption

“…To further improve, there is a need to establish guidelines for reliable and effective pain management after VATS. This might not only impact patient satisfaction, but also help compete against the rising budgetary pressure for health care providers experienced worldwide, as the needed rehabilitation phase and rate of postoperative chronic pain might be decreased [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Moreover, in the current wave of the opioid epidemic, it is especially important to also focus on the role of opioids in postoperative pain management and possibilities to reduce their usage [ 16 , 17 ].…”

Comparing the effect of foot and hand reflexology on pain severity after appendectomy: A randomized clinical trial

“…Although this method can suppress pain completely, it may cause complications, such as constipation, itching, and cardiac or respiratory suppression. [1112] Also, the side effects of non-steroidal analgesics include skin reactions, digestive problems, and renal complications. [13] Alternatively, some non-pharmacological methods, such as reflexology and relaxation, are used to decrease patients' stress so that they can tolerate the pain.…”

“…Based on this theory, massaging the palms of the hands and soles of the feet can stimulate energy and neural paths and improve blood flow and oxygenation, resulting in the release of endorphins and encephalin and pain relief. [11202223] The results of different studies show that pain relief has not received adequate attention from medical team members and that patients still experience intense postoperative pain.…”

Perioperative Cardiac Troponin I Levels in Patients Undergoing Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Single Center Study

“…As our population age increases, the need for arthroplasty surgery increases physiological stress (1-3). In addition, arthroplasty in the elderly is more likely to lead to increased morbidity due to multiple factors (4, 5).…”