Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 9, 2026
A Quantitative Sensory Testing Paradigm to Obtain Measures of Pain Processing in Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery
Published on: January 18, 2018
Prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of chronic postsurgical pain after laparoscopic colorectal surgery:
Jean L Joris1, Mathieu J Georges, Kamel Medjahed
1From the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (JLJ, MJG, KM, DL, GD, CCR, JFEB), and Department of Abdominal Surgery and Transplantation, CHU of Liege, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium (CIC, LPK).
Background:
The prevalence of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is a critical medical problem with economic implications. Its prevalence after gastrointestinal surgery is not well documented, particularly when a laparoscopic approach is used.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, the characteristics and the risk factors for CPSP after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
Design:
A retrospective analysis using a postal questionnaire.
Setting:
The study was conducted at a university teaching hospital.
Patients:
Patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery from April 2008 until December 2011 (n = 260). No epidural analgesia was used.
Main Outcome Measures:
Postoperative pain intensity, incidence and characteristics of CPSP, and impact on quality of life and sleep.
Results:
Of 199 responses, 33 patients (17%) reported chronic pain at a median [interquartile range, IQR] of 38 [27 to 55] months after laparoscopic surgery with a median intensity of 4 [3 to 5]. CPSP had a negative impact on the quality of life in 84% of patients and on sleep in 43%. CPSP required regular analgesic(s) intake in 54% patients. Using a backward stepwise multivariate logistic regression model, the following variables were determined as independent risk factors for CPSP: redo surgery for anastomotic leakage (P = 0.01), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as the indication for surgery (P = 0.01) and preoperative pain (P = 0.05).
Conclusion:
The incidence of CPSP after laparoscopic colorectal surgery (17%) is similar to those reported in the literature after laparotomy. Risk factors are redo surgery for postoperative peritonitis, IBD and preoperative pain.
Trial Registration:
EudraCT 2012-005712-25.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:25Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management