title: Chronic pain after surgery: pathophysiology, risk factors and prevention.
abstract: Interest in chronic pain after surgery has grown since the finding that more than a fifth of patients attending chronic pain clinics cite surgery as the cause for their chronic pain. The problem is not limited to major surgery; even common minor procedures such as hernia repair have a significant risk of chronic pain. Surgical technique can influence the development of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) and techniques to minimise nerve injury should be used where possible. Central nervous system changes contribute to the development of persistent pain following surgical trauma and nerve injury. Pharmacological agents that interrupt the mechanisms contributing to central sensitisation may be helpful in reducing the incidence of CPSP. Psychosocial factors are also important in the development of chronic pain and should be addressed as part of a holistic approach to perioperative care.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Anaesthesia, University College London Hospital, , London, UK.
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Reddi
authors.forename: Natasha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Curran
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058443:Catastrophization; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics
keywords: SURGERY; analgesia; chronic pain; postoperative pain; review