Pain following coronary artery bypass grafting: an exploration of contributing factors

Patients suffer pain and discomfort in ICU following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). While the surgical procedure causes pain, it is the psychological state of the individual which influences his perception of the pain. For the patient undergoing cardiac surgery, several stressors may influence his psychological state, including coronary heart disease (CHD) itself, impending surgery and the intensive care unit (ICU) environment. The types of pain caused by the surgical procedure are discussed. Each of these aspects are brought together in an attempt to gain a better understanding of the patient's perspective of cardiac surgery, and any pain experienced as a result. Given the major influence of the patient's mind in pain perception, there is a need for nurses to consider alternative methods of pain relief in addition to drug therapy.