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Updated: May 4, 2026
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An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain PPOP
Published on: January 27, 2010
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Expected and experienced pain during epidural catheter insertion.
S Mogensen1, L Berglund, M Eriksson
1Section of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery expect significantly more pain from epidural procedures than they actually experience. This study highlights a notable difference between anticipated and actual pain levels during epidural catheter insertion.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pain Management
- Surgical Patient Care
Background:
- Epidural catheter insertion is a common pain relief method in anesthesia.
- Limited data exists on patient expectations versus experienced pain from epidural procedures.
- Understanding this discrepancy is crucial for managing patient anxiety and improving care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare expected versus experienced pain during epidural block procedures.
- To analyze patient-reported pain levels associated with epidural catheterization in major abdominal surgery.
Main Methods:
- Thirty adult patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery were enrolled.
- Pain expectations were recorded pre-procedure on an 11-point numeric rating scale.
- Experienced pain was assessed post-procedure using the same scale.
Main Results:
- Median expected pain was 5.0, while median experienced pain was 2.0.
- A statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) was found between expected and experienced pain.
- Demographic factors and prior epidural experience did not influence pain perception.
Conclusions:
- Patients consistently anticipate greater pain from epidural blocks than what they report experiencing.
- This finding suggests a potential overestimation of procedural discomfort by patients.
- Managing patient expectations may be key to reducing perceived epidural pain.
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