Prevalence of Acute Postoperative Pain and Its Associated Risk Factors in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract
Introduction: Acute postoperative pain remains a common concern following laparoscopic hysterectomy despite its minimally invasive nature. Pain severity is influenced by a complex interplay of patient characteristics, preexisting pain, psychological factors, surgical technique, and perioperative management. Identifying high‑risk patients is essential for optimizing analgesic strategies, enhancing recovery, and preventing long‑term pain‑related complications.

Material and methods: This observational study prospectively collected demographic and perioperative clinical data and followed patients through structured telephone interviews up to six months after surgery. Acute and chronic postoperative pain were assessed using validated numeric scales, alongside analgesic use and functional impact, allowing comprehensive evaluation of pain severity, distribution, and its influence on daily activities.

Results: In this cohort of women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy, postoperative pain declined progressively over time, with most patients achieving minimal pain by six months. Although chronic postsurgical pain affected a minority, pelvic and incisional pain predominated. Analgesic requirements varied, while functional impairment was generally limited, highlighting favorable pain recovery trajectories overall.

Conclusion: these findings reinforce the effectiveness of laparoscopic hysterectomy as a minimally invasive procedure with generally favorable pain and functional outcomes, while also highlighting the complexity of pain recovery in a minority of patients.

Graphical Abstract

Prevalence of Acute Postoperative Pain and Its Associated Risk Factors in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Keywords

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