Chronic pain after breast surgery: Incidence, risk factors and impact on quality of life

Introduction and objectives: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy, and chronic pain after breast surgery (CPBS) is an increasingly recognized therapy -related problem. We evaluated CPBS incidence, characteristics, associated factors, and impact on patient quality of life (QoL). Materials and methods: Six-month observational prospective study in patients undergoing breast surgery in a tertiary university hospital. Data were collected using several questionnaires: Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Brief Pain Inventory -Short Form, Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questionnaire, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire and its Breast Cancer Module. Results: A total of 112 patients completed the study. Approximately, one third (34.8%) developed CPBS, almost all with potentially neuropathic pain. CPBS interfered with patients' daily life and reduced their QoL. Diabetes (p =.028), catastrophizing (p =.042), and acute postoperative pain severity (p <.001) were associated with CPBS. Conclusions: This study broadens our understanding of CPBS and shows the impact of this syndrome. Healthcare workers need to be aware of CPBS and take steps to prevent and treat it, and provide patients with adequate information. (c) 2023 Sociedad Espa & ntilde;ola de Anestesiolog & iacute;a, Reanimaci & oacute;n y Terap & eacute;utica del Dolor. Published by Elsevier Espa & ntilde;a, S.L.U. All rights reserved.