Citation

Huang A, Azam A, Segal S, Pivovarov K, Katznelson G, Ladak SSJ, Mu A, Weinrib A, Katz J, Clarke HA. Pain Manag. 2016; 6(5): 435-443.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Future Medicine)

DOI

10.2217/pmt-2016-0004

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

AIM: To identify the 3-month incidence of chronic postsurgical pain and long-term opioid use in patients at the Toronto General Hospital.

METHODS: 200 consecutive patients presenting for elective major surgery completed standardized questionnaires by telephone at 3 months after surgery.

RESULTS: 51 patients reported a preoperative chronic pain condition, with 12 taking opioids preoperatively. 3 months after surgery 35% of patients reported having surgical site pain and 13.5% continued to use opioids for postsurgical pain relief. Postoperative opioid use was associated with interference with walking and work, and lower mood.

CONCLUSION: Chronic postsurgical pain and ongoing opioid use are concerns that warrant the implementation of a Transitional Pain Service to modify the pain trajectories and enable effective opioid weaning following major surgery.

Language: en