Mechanisms inherent in acute-to-chronic pain after surgery – risk, diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic factors

Abstract

Purpose of review Acute pain is an expected consequence of a surgery, but it is far from being well controlled, due to its complex bio-psycho-social nature. One major complication of acute pain is its risk of persistency beyond healing. This so-called chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) is defined as new or increased pain due to surgery that lasts for at least 3 months after surgery. CPSP is frequent and constitutes an important socioeconomic challenge with significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Its importance has been recognized by its inclusion in the eleventh version of the ICD (International Classification of Diseases). Recent findings Evidence for most pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions preventing CPSP is inconsistent. Identification of associated patient-related factors, such as psychosocial aspects, comorbidities, surgical factors, pain trajectories, or biomarkers may allow stratification and selection of treatment options based on underlying individual mechanisms. Consequently, the identification of patients at risk and implementation of individually tailored, preventive, multimodal treatment to reduce the risk of transition from acute to chronic pain is facilitated. Summary This review will give an update on current knowledge on mechanism-based risk, prognostic and predictive factors for CPSP in adults, and preventive and therapeutic approaches, and how to use them for patient stratification in the future.