Chronic Post-Surgical Pain (CPSP)
Chronic Post-Surgical Pain (CPSP) is a type of persistent pain that develops following surgical procedures. Unlike acute pain, which typically resolves as the body heals, chronic post-surgical pain lasts for three months or more after surgery. It can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, affecting their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Surgical procedures that have a high risk for CPSP include procedures that involve the cutting, stretching, or other trauma to a nerve. Some examples include the following
Post Inguinal Hernia Repair Pain Syndrome
Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (Phantom Breast Syndrome)
Post Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome
Post Amputation Pain (Phantom Limb Pain, Residual Limb Pain)
Post Total Knee Arthroplasty Pain
Persistent Pain: Ongoing pain at the surgical site or surrounding areas that lasts beyond the typical healing period.
Burning or Shooting Sensations: Patients may experience sharp, burning, or shooting pains in the affected area.
Numbness or Tingling: Altered sensations, including numbness or tingling, in the area of surgery or adjacent regions.
Other Symptoms:
Hypersensitivity: Increased sensitivity to touch or pressure in the affected area, known as allodynia.
Muscle Spasms: Muscle tension or spasms in the area surrounding the surgical site.
Reduced Functionality: Difficulty performing daily activities due to pain and discomfort.
Symptoms
Peripheral Nerve Injury or Entrapment (scar tissue can entrap nerves): Surgical procedures can inadvertently damage nerves, leading to chronic pain.
Scar Tissue Formation: The development of scar tissue can cause adhesions and result in pain.
Infection: Post-surgical infections can lead to prolonged inflammation and pain.
Inflammation: Ongoing inflammation at the surgical site can contribute to chronic pain.
Psychological Factors: Pre-existing psychological conditions, such as anxiety or depression, can increase the likelihood of developing CPSP.
Type of Surgery: Certain types of surgery, such as major abdominal or thoracic procedures, have higher incidences of CPSP.