Identifying risk factors for chronic postsurgical pain and preventive measures: a comprehensive update

Area of Science:

• Pain Medicine
• Surgical Outcomes
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) significantly impacts quality of life and function.
• CPSP can occur after various surgeries, including minimally invasive procedures.
• Known risk factors for CPSP include female sex, younger age, and specific surgical types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on chronic postsurgical pain.
• To discuss strategies for preventing and managing CPSP.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review of existing literature.

Main Results:

• Acute postoperative pain management is critical for preventing CPSP.
• Multimodal analgesic regimens that are safe, effective, and opioid-sparing are recommended.
• Regional anesthetics show promise for specific patient populations.

Conclusions:

• Every surgical patient faces a risk of CPSP.
• Effective control of acute postoperative pain, with attention to opioid stewardship, is the primary preventive strategy.
• Informing patients about their individual CPSP risk is important.