Chronic postsurgical pain and persistent opioid use following surgery: the need for a transitional pain service

Pain Manag. 2016 Oct;6(5):435-43. doi: 10.2217/pmt-2016-0004. Epub 2016 Jul 6.

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.

Keywords: chronic pain; chronic postsurgical pain; pain disability; persistent opioid use; postoperative pain; transitional pain service.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects
  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Pain / drug therapy*
  • Chronic Pain / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pain, Postoperative / drug therapy*
  • Pain, Postoperative / epidemiology
  • Preoperative Period

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid