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Pain and behaviour changes in children following surgery

Nina Mary Power1, Richard F Howard, Angie M Wade

  • 1UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Postoperative pain and problematic behaviors (PB) are common in children after surgery, persisting for weeks. Previous painful experiences and anxiety are key factors influencing PB, highlighting areas for improved care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery Outcomes
  • Child Psychology
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Postoperative pain and problematic behaviors (PB) can significantly impact children's recovery after surgery.
  • Understanding the long-term effects of day-case versus inpatient surgery on children's well-being at home is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify postoperative pain and PB in children after day-case or inpatient surgery.
  • To identify factors associated with PB at 2 and 4 weeks post-discharge.
  • To determine the relationship between pain and PB after adjusting for other variables.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study involving 131 children (aged 2-12 years) and their parents.
  • Data collected through direct observation and self-report questionnaires.
  • Assessed pain and PB on day 2 and at weeks 1, 2, and 4 post-discharge.

Main Results:

  • High incidence of pain (93%) and PB (73%) observed on day 2 post-discharge.
  • Pain and PB decreased over time, but remained significant at week 4 (25% pain, 32% PB).
  • Factors associated with PB included previous pain experience, parent/child anxiety, and parent education level.

Conclusions:

  • A substantial proportion of children experience persistent pain and PB for weeks after surgery.
  • Previous painful medical experiences and anxiety are significant, modifiable factors affecting children's outcomes.
  • Healthcare providers and researchers should focus on these modifiable factors to improve pediatric surgical recovery.
Abstract

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