Chronic Post Surgical Pain
Overview
Chronic post-surgical pain is pain that continues for more than two months after a surgical procedure. It is a fairly common condition and can affect patients after different types of surgeries, with reported rates varying between 10% and 70% depending on the operation performed.
Symptoms
This type of pain often has a nerve-related component and may present as:
- Sharp, shooting, or stabbing pain
- Burning, throbbing, or aching sensations
- Increased sensitivity to touch around the surgical area
- Numbness or tingling near the incision site
- Reduced sensation or sensory loss over the scar
Causes and Risk Factors
It is not always possible to predict who will develop chronic pain after surgery, but certain factors can increase the risk, including:
- Type of surgery, especially procedures such as thoracotomy, mastectomy, amputation, hernia repair, and coronary artery bypass surgery
- Severe pain immediately after surgery
- Anxiety, stress, or depression
- Nerve injury related to the surgical procedure
Management
Proper pain management after surgery is essential and may help lower the risk of developing chronic post-surgical pain.
If persistent pain develops, early consultation with a pain medicine specialist can help improve pain control and reduce discomfort. A detailed assessment is usually carried out to understand the nature, severity, and cause of the pain before deciding on treatment options.
Treatment may include:
- Medications designed to control nerve-related pain, which can often be used safely under specialist supervision
- Interventional pain procedures such as nerve blocks performed under ultrasound or X-ray guidance for both diagnosis and pain relief
- Radiofrequency procedures or denervation techniques that may provide longer-lasting pain relief
Combining medications, interventional procedures, and rehabilitation can help improve quality of life, restore daily function, and support recovery.
