Postsurgical pain - Epidemiology

Chronic postsurgical pain is now known to be common after any type of surgical procedure. As with any type of chronic pain, it is likely to last for many years, and to be associated with poor general health and quality of life. It therfore represents and important burden to individuals and society. Known risk factor include younger age, female gender and possibly, genetic susceptibility. Although these risk factors are non modifiable, they will inform the understanding of risk, and therefore pre-operative discussion and decision-making. Potentially modifiable risk factors include pre- and post-operative pain, certain surgical techniques, and various psychological factors. Evidence for the effectiveness of addressing these risk factors is however, inconsistent. Further research is required, both to identify and characterise complex actiological factors, and to rest interventions based on these, in randomised controlled trials.