Real-world observation of pain scores using patient-reported outcome measures in lung cancer surgery

Although preoperative pain has been reported to affect postoperative quality of life and physical function in lung cancer surgery patients, its impact on postoperative pain remains unclear. This study aimed to describe the frequency and locations of preoperative pain and evaluate its impact on postoperative pain trajectories and chronic pain occurrence in a real-world setting.

A prospective patient-reported outcome survey was conducted at Hitachi General Hospital. QOL was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC13 at three time points: preoperatively (Pre), 1 month postoperatively (M1), and 1 year postoperatively (Y1). Among 184 patients with complete data, chronic pain was defined as an increase of ≥ 10 points in the pain score from Pre to Y1.

Fifty-five (30%) of the 184 patients reported experiencing pain at Pre. The pain scores (Pre:M1:Y1) of the patients without and with preoperative pain (the no-pain and pain groups, respectively) were 0: 26.4 ± 18.8:7.9 ± 10.6 and 29.1 ± 12.1:35.8 ± 20.1:20.6 ± 20.0, respectively. Chronic pain incidence was higher in the no-pain group (39.5%) than in the pain group (20%). Predictors of chronic pain included age, living alone, and open surgical approach in the no-pain group, and heavy smoking and having work in the pain group.

Preoperative pain influences postoperative pain trajectories and chronic pain risk. Identifying preoperative pain may enhance understanding and management of postoperative pain in lung cancer surgery patients.