[Psychological aspects of postop pain]

Pain has an important role to play as a warning signal against disease or tissue injury, yet is perceived as one of the most unpleasant and complex sensations. Since it is usually accompanied by nervousness, anxiety and other negative emotions, return to health can be longer than necessary. Hence much attention is paid to medical interventions which allow pain relief or a total elimination thereof. In some circumstances, however, they may be inadequate, that is why other, extra-medical factors are being explored. Man is a psychosomatic being, consequently, no somatic changes can happen without the involvement of the psychological sphere. In the case of surgical procedures, methods of psychological preparation and patient support play an important role in recovery.