Perioperative Pain

Perioperative Pain: An Overview

Perioperative pain is a common complaint in the postoperative period. The annual incidence of perioperative pain is estimated to be as high as 40-70%. Pain is a particularly debilitating symptom, and inadequate control compromises quality of recovery and can have a long-term impact on recovery and require hospitalisation. This article provides an overview of Perioperative Pain.

Types of Perioperative Pain

Perioperative pain generally falls into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute pain is described as a sudden, usually intense pain that may last for a short period of time, generally up to six months. Common causes of acute pain include surgery, trauma, childbirth, and other medical procedures. Chronic pain is often continuous or recurrent and can last for several months or years. Common causes of chronic pain include headaches, back pain, fibromyalgia, and arthritis.

Preoperative Care

It is important to begin a comprehensive preoperative assessment before surgery begins. This should include a detailed medical history and physical exam. The patient should also be asked to describe any pain that may exist before the surgery begins. Preoperative assessment should also include information about the patient’s pain-coping strategies, such as relaxation technique, stress reduction, and the use of analgesics. Preoperative pain assessments should also include a discussion of the patient’s expectations of the surgery and possible postoperative pain.

Rehabilitation Therapy

Rehabilitation therapy is an important part of the treatment plan for perioperative pain. Rehabilitation can help restore the patient’s preoperative level of functioning as quickly as possible. Common forms of rehabilitation include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. In addition, psychological therapy can be used to help the patient to cope with the emotional aspects of pain.

Pain Management

Pain management strategies should be individualized to meet the needs of each patient. Common pain management interventions include pharmacological therapy, nerve blocks, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or neuromodulation therapy, and non-pharmacological interventions such as relaxation techniques, distraction, and heat therapy. It is important to understand that some pain medications carry a high risk of addiction and should be used with caution and for short duration.

Conclusion

Perioperative pain is a common complaint in the postoperative period. It is important to begin with a comprehensive preoperative assessment and to work together with the patient to ensure that the most appropriate pain management strategies are identified and pursued. Rehabilitation therapies and other non-pharmacological pain interventions should also be considered as part of the holistic approach to perioperative pain management.