Painful experience in adolescents undergoing surgical correction of scoliosis

The aim of our study is to learn about the post-surgical pain experience in adolescents undergoing surgical correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).

Qualitative study with an interpretative phenomenological approach. Through semi-structured interviews, 7 informants, women aged between 12 and 21, were interviewed between the third and fifth day after being surgically treated for AIS correction. The speeches were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content Analysis method was used to analyse the discourse.

The categories established were: influential factors, values and ideas, coping mechanisms and improvement areas. Painful experience is a determining factor during recovery, influenced by the individuals themselves, as well as by the support received, and the environment. Their main values and ideas about the process are based on pre-surgical information, which they consider insufficient. In order to cope, they use of distraction, relaxation and drug consumption. According to the informants, increasing the information they are given about the process, facilitating visits and incorporating complementary techniques would improve pain control.

Pain is the main focus of the process and is influenced by several factors. The patients' coping mechanisms help in its management. They also put forward different improvement areas.