Chronic Post-Surgical Pain (CPSP)
Chronic Post-Surgical Pain (CPSP) is a type of persistent pain that develops following surgical procedures. Unlike acute pain, which typically resolves as the body heals, chronic post-surgical pain lasts for three months or more after surgery. It can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, affecting their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Read More about Painful Scars Here
Surgical procedures that have a high risk for CPSP include procedures that involve the cutting, stretching, or other trauma to a nerve. Some examples include the following
-Post Inguinal Hernia Repair Pain Syndrome
-Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (Phantom Breast Syndrome)
-Post Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome
-Post Amputation Pain (Phantom Limb Pain, Residual Limb Pain)
-Post Total Knee Arthroplasty Pain
Symptoms:
Burning or Shooting Sensations: Patients may experience sharp, burning, or shooting pains in the affected area.
Numbness or Tingling: Altered sensations, including numbness or tingling, in the area of surgery or adjacent regions.
Other Symptoms:
Hypersensitivity: Increased sensitivity to touch or pressure in the affected area, known as allodynia.
Muscle Spasms: Muscle tension or spasms in the area surrounding the surgical site.
Reduced Functionality: Difficulty performing daily activities due to pain and discomfort.
Causes:
- Peripheral Nerve Injury or Entrapment (scar tissue can entrap nerves): Surgical procedures can inadvertently damage nerves, leading to chronic pain.
- Scar Tissue Formation: The development of scar tissue can cause adhesions and result in pain.
- Infection: Post-surgical infections can lead to prolonged inflammation and pain.
- Inflammation: Ongoing inflammation at the surgical site can contribute to chronic pain.
- Psychological Factors: Pre-existing psychological conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can increase the likelihood of developing CPSP.
- Type of Surgery: Certain types of surgery, such as major abdominal or thoracic procedures, have higher incidences of CPSP.
Other Conditions
