Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted on pain experienced by patients after they’ve had chest surgery. The researchers looked at 90 different studies, involving 19,001 patients in total, to see how common this type of pain is and what it’s like. They found that, on average, about 38 out of every 100 patients reported having pain that lasted for at least three months after their surgery. Of these, around 41 out of every 100 described the pain as moderate to severe, and about 10 out of every 100 said it was severe. More than half of the patients with this persistent pain had to use strong painkillers called opioids, and for about 33 out of every 100, the pain had characteristics suggesting it was neuropathic (caused by damage to the nervous system). The researchers concluded that one in three patients who undergo chest surgery develop long-term pain afterwards. They suggest that there needs to be better pain management and follow-up care for these patients.

FAQs

  1. What is the overall prevalence of persistent postoperative pain (PPP) after thoracic surgery?
  2. What percentage of patients with PPP required the use of opioid analgesics after thoracic surgery?
  3. What is the need for patients undergoing thoracic surgery in relation to postoperative pain?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about thoracic surgery is to make sure to follow postoperative pain management recommendations closely to help reduce the risk of developing persistent postoperative pain. This may include taking prescribed pain medications as directed, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in recommended physical therapy or rehabilitation programs. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in pain levels to your healthcare provider so they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for thoracic surgery include those with conditions such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, pleural diseases, chest wall deformities, and thoracic outlet syndrome. Additionally, patients with severe trauma or injuries to the chest area may also require thoracic surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if thoracic surgery is the best treatment option for their condition.

Timeline

Before thoracic surgery:

  1. Consultation and evaluation by a thoracic surgeon
  2. Preoperative tests and imaging
  3. Discussion of surgical options and potential risks with the patient
  4. Informed consent process
  5. Preoperative preparation and instructions for the patient (e.g., fasting, medication adjustments)

After thoracic surgery:

  1. Immediate postoperative care in the recovery room
  2. Monitoring for complications and managing pain
  3. Transfer to a hospital room or intensive care unit for further monitoring
  4. Gradual recovery and rehabilitation with physical therapy
  5. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon for monitoring progress and addressing any concerns
  6. Potential complications or persistent postoperative pain requiring ongoing management
  7. Long-term follow-up for monitoring and surveillance of the surgical site and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the likelihood of experiencing persistent postoperative pain after thoracic surgery?
  2. What are the potential risk factors for developing persistent postoperative pain after thoracic surgery?
  3. What are the typical characteristics and severity of persistent postoperative pain experienced by patients after thoracic surgery?
  4. What are the available treatment options for managing persistent postoperative pain after thoracic surgery?
  5. How long should I expect to continue experiencing pain after thoracic surgery, and when should I seek further evaluation or treatment if the pain persists?
  6. Are there any specific measures I can take to help prevent or minimize the risk of developing persistent postoperative pain after thoracic surgery?
  7. What is the likelihood of requiring opioid analgesics for managing persistent postoperative pain after thoracic surgery?
  8. Will there be a follow-up plan in place to monitor and address any persistent postoperative pain after thoracic surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that may be beneficial for managing persistent postoperative pain after thoracic surgery?
  10. What can I do to optimize my recovery and reduce the likelihood of developing persistent postoperative pain after thoracic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Wang L, Yang M, Meng W. Journal: Anesth Analg. 2023 Jul 1;137(1):48-57. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000006452. Epub 2023 Jun 16. PMID: 37326863