Chronic post-surgical pain: 10 years on.
In the past ten years there has been recognition that chronic post-surgical pain is a significant problem. This is a complex area of research and although the quality of studies has improved many difficulties remain. Several recent publications have examined risk factors. Severe acute postoperative pain emerges as a factor that we may be able to influence. There is a need for education of the medical profession and the general public, so that effective measures are introduced and unnecessary and inappropriate operations minimized.
Macrae
W A
WA
Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9TS, Scotland. w.a.macrae@dundee.ac.uk
D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D020196:Trauma, Nervous System / Q000150:complications