Incidence and risk factors of chronic post-surgical pain and its effect on quality of life: a large sample prospective study

Abstract

Objective To investigate the incidence and risk factors of chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) and its effects on the quality of life in a large sample prospective study. Methods A total of 1098 patients of either sex, aged 18-70 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰor Ⅱ, undergoing elective surgery, were enrolled in the study.Data regarding patient age, gender, body mass index, educational level, marital status, living situations, occupation, pre-surgical pain in the site of surgery, complications, type of surgery, surgery time and anesthesia method were recorded.The highest numeric rating scale scores within 3 days after surgery were also recorded.The patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery to record the development of CPSP.The patients were divided into CPSP group and non-CPSP group according to whether or not CPSP developed.Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for CPSP, and the quality of life was scored. Results A total of 981 patients completed the 1 year follow-up after surgery, the incidence of CPSP was 35.7%, and the constituent ratio of the distribution of the course was as follows: 3 months≤postsurgical course 0.05). Conclusion The probability of development of CPSP is high and the course is long, and the quality of life score is decreased; female, no diabetes mellitus and pre-surgical pain in the site of surgery are the independent risk factors for CPSP. Key words: Pain, postoperative; Chronic disease; incidence; Risk factors; Quality of life