Abstract | OBJECT: This is the first observational study to compare perioperative pain character and intensity in patients undergoing different types of elective neurosurgical procedures. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was used to inquire about pain intensity, character, and management during the perioperative course, and the anticipated visual analogue scale (VAS) score in 649 patients during a 1-year period. The anticipated maximal postoperative VAS score was lower than the actual postoperative maximal VAS score and was independent of operation type and preoperative VAS score. Patients undergoing craniotomy experienced less pain than those undergoing spinal surgery. A majority of patients did not receive analgesic medication after surgery. Patients undergoing spinal surgery experienced higher preoperative VAS scores than those undergoing other neurosurgical treatments, with a shift from preoperative referred pain to postoperative local pain. After lumbar flavectomy, referred pain was greater than local pain. Patients with preoperative pain suffered significantly more postoperative pain than those without preoperative pain. In patients with postoperative surgery-related complications, VAS scores were higher than in those without complications. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Markus Klimek, Johannes F H Ubben, Jan Ammann, Ulf Borner, Jan Klein, Serge J C Verbrugge |
Journal | Journal of neurosurgery
(J Neurosurg)
Vol. 104
Issue 3
Pg. 350-9
(Mar 2006)
ISSN: 0022-3085 [Print] United States |
PMID | 16572646
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Elective Surgical Procedures
(adverse effects)
- Female
- Humans
- Infant
- Infant, Newborn
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neurosurgical Procedures
(adverse effects)
- Pain Measurement
- Pain, Postoperative
- Prognosis
- Prospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Treatment Outcome
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