Comparative analysis of pain levels, preoperative anxiety, depression and laboratory parameters during uterine surgery

Abstract

Introduction. Studies show a low efficiency of postoperative pain relief, especially in gynecological patients. The psychogenic component is of no small importance in the formation of postoperative pain syndrome. Purpose of the study was to determine the factors influencing the development of uncontrolled pain syndrome in patients who underwent uterine surgery. Materials and methods. We examined 30 patients who underwent elective surgery for hysterectomy, conservative myomectomy by laparoscopic or laparotomy access or in combination with perineal plastic surgery. Patients of the study subgroups did not differ in age, BMI, and somatic status. Epidural analgesia with 0.2 % ropivacaine solution was performed. We studied preoperative anxiety and depression scores (HADS scale), the dynamics of C-reactive protein level, glucose, lactate, acid-base status, hemostasis, and pain level initially and in the postoperative period, postoperative recovery rate of the patients and satisfaction with anesthesia. Results. The greatest number of reliable differences in the subgroups was obtained when dividing by the level of preoperative anxiety. Patients with an elevated level of preoperative anxiety were less active in the postoperative period and had three times higher levels of C-reactive protein on the day of discharge. Patients with depression had significantly higher glucose levels compared to the subgroup without signs of preoperative depression on the third postoperative day, and C-reactive protein levels on the second day. The data of regression analysis show the relationship between the level of preoperative anxiety and uncontrolled pain in the postoperative period in gynecological patients. Discussion. The dynamics of the laboratory indices testify in favor of adequate anesthesia and pain control in the study group. The protocol of pain control during uterine surgery that we use allows us to reduce the level of postoperative pain to acceptable values and increase patients' satisfaction with the recommended analgesia. The impact of anxiety and depression on the severity of pain and the course of the postoperative period among gynecological patients necessitates the use of the HADS scale in the preoperative period. Patients with symptoms of clinically pronounced preoperative anxiety should be prescribed counseling by a psychotherapist and anxiolytics at the preoperative examination stage. Conclusions. Prehospital anxiety level is a significant factor influencing the development of uncontrolled pain syndrome. The HADS scale identifies a "high risk" group for the development of uncontrolled pain in the postoperative period in patients awaiting uterine surgery and is a screening test.