Characterization of self-anticipated pain score prior to elective surgery - a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND: Current principles of postoperative pain management are primarily based on the types and extent of surgical intervention. This clinical study measured patient’s self-anticipated pain score before surgery, and compared the anticipated scores with the actual pain levels and analgesic requirements after surgery. METHODS: This prospective observational study recruited consecutive patients who received elective surgery in the E-Da Hospital, Taiwan from June to August 2018. Patients were asked to subjectively rate their highest anticipated pain level (numeric rating scale, NRS 0–10) for the scheduled surgical interventions during their preoperative anesthesia assessment. After the operation, the actual pain intensity (NRS 0–10) experienced by the patient in the post-anesthesia care unit and the total dose of opioids administered during the perioperative period were recorded. Pain scores ≥4 on NRS were regarded as being unacceptable levels for anticipated or postoperative pain that required more aggressive intervention. RESULTS: A total of 996 patients were included in the study. Most of the patients (86%) received general anesthesia and 73.9% of them had a history of previous operation. Female anticipated significantly higher overall pain intensities than the male patients (adjusted odd ratio 1.523, 95% confidence interval 1.126–2.061; P = 0.006). Patients who took regular benzodiazepine at bedtime (P = 0.037) and those scheduled to receive more invasive surgical procedures were most likely to anticipate for higher pain intensity at the preoperative period (P < 0.05). Higher anticipated pain scores (preoperative NRS ≥ 4) were associated with higher actual postoperative pain levels (P = 0.007) in the PACU and higher total equivalent opioid use (P < 0.001) for acute pain management during the perioperative period. CONCLUSION: This observational study found that patients who are female, use regular benzodiazepines at bedtime and scheduled for more invasive surgeries anticipate significantly higher surgery-related pain. Therefore, appropriate preoperative counseling for analgesic control and the management of exaggerated pain expectation in these patients is necessary to improve the quality of anesthesia delivered and patient’s satisfaction. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-021-01303-y.