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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Pain associated with transabdominal chorionic villus sampling--anticipated versus actual
Joseph R Wax1, Molly Carpenter, Renée Chard
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine 04102, USA. waxj@mmc.org
Summary
Transabdominal chorionic villus sampling (TA CVS) is associated with moderate pain. Anticipated and perceived pain levels were similar, providing valuable data for patient counseling and future pain reduction strategies.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pain Management
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Transabdominal chorionic villus sampling (TA CVS) is a common prenatal diagnostic procedure.
- Understanding patient pain perception is crucial for improving procedural experience and informed consent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anticipated and perceived pain levels during transabdominal chorionic villus sampling (TA CVS).
Main Methods:
- Sixteen patients undergoing TA CVS completed visual analog scales (VAS) for pain assessment before and after the procedure.
- Pain was rated on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (excruciating pain).
Main Results:
- Anticipated pain scores averaged 5.1 (±2.9) and perceived pain scores averaged 5.5 (±3.2), indicating moderate pain levels.
- Perceived pain was not significantly different from anticipated pain (p = 0.42).
- Actual pain was reported as less, the same, or greater than anticipated pain in 31%, 38%, and 31% of patients, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Transabdominal chorionic villus sampling (TA CVS) is associated with moderate perceived pain.
- These findings offer valuable baseline data for patient counseling regarding procedural discomfort.
- The data can inform the design of interventional studies aimed at reducing pain during TA CVS.
