Predictors of acute postoperative pain in patients with breast cancer

To date, modern medicine does not have reliable tools for objectifying and measuring pain. In order to avoid the development of chronic pain, we must effectively treat intraoperative and postoperative acute pain. In this prospective study, we wanted to estimate whether and to what extent algometer and PSQ (Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire) and CSQ (Coping Strategies Questionnaire) predict the intensity and strength of postoperative pain. Accordingly, we wanted to adjust the analgesia protocol. The study was conducted from February to April 2019, at the University Hospital for Tumors in Zagreb, and included 100 patients who were admitted to the hospital for breast cancer surgery. Preoperatively all patients completed PSQ and CSQ questionnaires and pain sensitivity was measured with the algometer. The same analgesic protocol was applied to all patients. The pain was measured postoperatively by NRS (numeric rating scale) 2, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the operation. According to the obtained results, the patients were grouped into the group of slightly sensitive, medium sensitive, or very sensitive. Correlation between PSQ and NRS was statistically significant in the group of very sensitive patients. Research has shown that algometer can identify very sensitive patients and enables planning the analgesic protocol prior the operation. We can conclude that the analgesic protocol applied during the study was successful in preventing postoperative pain.