Chronic Postsurgical Pain

CPSP is a very common complication from surgery. Diagnosis of CPSP can be difficult and treatment can be complex. The condition often hinders surgical recovery and can create patient dissatisfaction. It is important that any preoperative evaluation include a risk analysis for CPSP and that mitigation strategies be identified that may reduce the risk of CPSP development. Prevention and treatment of CPSP is the responsibility of the entire health care team. Nursing intervention is critical. Anesthesia care tailored to those at high risk is essential to prevention. Surgeon awareness of the risk can help to incorporate mitigation strategies into the surgical plan. The goal should be prevention, but if CPSP develops in a postsurgical patient, it is important that CPSP be identified as quickly as possible and aggressive treatment be implemented. The longer the condition persists, the more difficult it is to treat. As with any chronic pain condition, the goal should be improvement in activities of daily living. It is often unrealistic to promise complete pain relief. Setting realistic goals is essential to success and return to homeostasis.