A survey of pain and other symptoms that affect the recovery process after discharge from an ambulatory surgery unit.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the significance of pain and other symptoms on the recovery process after ambulatory surgery, by surveying pain, analgesic use, and related aspects of recovery in the first 48 hours after discharge from an ambulatory surgery unit.


METHODS
Prospective, observational, surveillance survey.


METHODS
A total of 175 patients were studied, 25 in each of 6 surgical groups including knee arthroscopy, hernia repair, pelvic laparoscopy, transvaginal surgery, surgery for breast disease, and plastic surgery.


METHODS
Patients were treated in a manner considered normal or "usual" for the surgeon and the institution.


METHODS
Pain scores (0 to 10), analgesic use, symptom frequency, symptom distress scores, activity level (% of normal), and satisfaction scores were obtained by telephone interview 24 and 48 hours after discharge. Group means (+/-SE), proportions and correlations between predictor variables were determined in relevant groups.


RESULTS
The response rate to postoperative telephone calls was 89% at 24 hours, and 82% at 48 hours. At 24 hours, maximum pain was >3/10 in 60%, or >7/10 in 20% of patients. Pain prevented or disrupted sleep in 46% of patients. Activity level was reduced to 33% of normal at 24 hours; pain was reported as the primary or secondary reason for limiting activity by 54% of patients. At 24 hours, average pain scores correlated inversely with activity (r = -0.49, p = or < 0.0001); least pain score correlated best with satisfaction (r = 0.03, p = 0.0005).


CONCLUSIONS
Improvements in pain therapy after discharge appear warranted to provide more consistent pain relief, and hasten return to normal activity.
Pavlin
D Janet
DJ
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195 USA. pavlin@u.washington.edu
Chen
Connie
C
Penaloza
Dorothy A
DA
Buckley
F Peter
FP
D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003289:Convalescence; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010351:Patient Discharge; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors
D000700:Analgesics