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

S Nogueira; D Rodrigues; M Barros; J Menezes; L Guimarães-Pereira

doi:10.1016/j.redare.2024.01.002

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

Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim (Engl Ed). 2024 Jan 18:S2341-1929(24)00002-7. doi: 10.1016/j.redare.2024.01.002. Online ahead of print.

Authors

S Nogueira¹, D Rodrigues², M Barros², J Menezes³, L Guimarães-Pereira⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anaesthesiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: sara_meira87@live.com.pt.
² Department of Anaesthesiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, Portugal.
³ Department of Medicine Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, Portugal.
⁴ Department of Anaesthesiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, Portugal; Cardiovascular R&D Centre - UnIC@RISE, Surgery and Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, UnIC, CIM-FMUP, R. Dr. Plácido da Costa, Porto, Portugal.

PMID: 38242359
DOI: 10.1016/j.redare.2024.01.002

Abstract

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 conducted 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, and almost all with potentially neuropathic pain. CPBS interfered with patients' daily life and reduced their QoL. Diabetes (p = 0.028), catastrophizing (p = 0.042), and acute postoperative pain severity (p < 0.001) 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.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Breast cancer surgery; Calidad de vida; Chronic postsurgical pain; Cirugía de cáncer de mama; Cáncer de mama; Dolor postoperatorio crónico; Quality of life.