537P A retrospective study on analgesic requirements for thoracoscopic surgery postoperative pain

Abstract

Background Thoracoscopic surgery (TS) has been performed as a minimally invasive procedure since the beginning of the 1990s. This has led to a dramatic change in the postoperative condition of these patients, facilitating early ambulation and easier management of postoperative pain. However, empirical evidence on postoperative pain management after TS is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and adequacy of postoperative analgesic medications and to simplify the choice of additional drugs based on a numerical rating scale (NRS). Methods A retrospective study of patients who underwent TS was performed to evaluate postoperative pain, analgesia requirements, and the number of drugs needed during the perioperative period based on NRS score. Results Of the 524 patients, mild pain was noted in 87% on the day of the operation and in 75.6% on ambulation. The mean NRS score was 1.83 6 1.49 on the day of the operation and 2.73 6 1.75 on ambulation. An NRS score of 3 on both the day of operation and on ambulation was defined as the necessary condition for improved pain management. Reduction of pain with an NRS score of 2: 1 was significant with the addition of pentazocine hydrochloride (p < 0.01) and flurbiprofen (p < 0.01). Interestingly, the addition of tramadol was borderline efficacious (p = 0.05) in patients with an NRS score of > 3 on ambulation. Conclusions A small number of patients have moderate to severe pain after TS. Tramadol demonstrated borderline efficacy in controlling postoperative intense pain with an NRS score of 2: 3. Legal entity responsible for the study N/A Funding N/A Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.