Colin G DeLong1, Justin A Doble1, Amber L Schilling1, Eric M Pauli1, David I Soybel2. 1. The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA. 2. The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA. Electronic address: dsoybel@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: After open complex ventral hernia repair (cVHR), chronic pain has a significant impact on quality of life and processes of care. METHODS: Records of 177 patients undergoing cVHR were reviewed in order to characterize the burden of managing postoperative pain in the first post-operative year following open cVHR. RESULTS: In this cohort, 91 patients initiated at least one unsolicited complaint of pain, though phone call (37), unscheduled clinic visit (45) or evaluation in the emergency room (9); among these an actionable diagnosis was found in 38 (41.8%). Among 41 patients who initiated additional unsolicited complaints of pain, an actionable diagnosis was found in only 3 patients. Risk factors for such complaints included pre-operative pain and the use of synthetic mesh. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the absence of an actionable diagnosis, significant resources are utilized in evaluation and management of unsolicited complaints of pain in the first year after cVHR.
BACKGROUND: After open complex ventral hernia repair (cVHR), chronic pain has a significant impact on quality of life and processes of care. METHODS: Records of 177 patients undergoing cVHR were reviewed in order to characterize the burden of managing postoperative pain in the first post-operative year following open cVHR. RESULTS: In this cohort, 91 patients initiated at least one unsolicited complaint of pain, though phone call (37), unscheduled clinic visit (45) or evaluation in the emergency room (9); among these an actionable diagnosis was found in 38 (41.8%). Among 41 patients who initiated additional unsolicited complaints of pain, an actionable diagnosis was found in only 3 patients. Risk factors for such complaints included pre-operative pain and the use of synthetic mesh. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the absence of an actionable diagnosis, significant resources are utilized in evaluation and management of unsolicited complaints of pain in the first year after cVHR.
Authors: Irfan A Rhemtulla; Michael G Tecce; Robyn B Broach; Charles A Messa; Jaclyn T Mauch; John P Fischer Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open Date: 2019-04-11