[Predictive factors and prevention of chronic postoperative pelvic and perineal pain].

INTRODUCTION

Chronic postoperative pain has been defined as pain arising after a surgical operation, present for at least 2 months, with no organic (active cancer or chronic infection) or preexisting cause. The purpose of this article is to review the risk factors and prevention of chronic postoperative pelvic and perineal pain.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A review of the literature was performed by searching PubMed for articles on risk factors and prevention of chronic postoperative pelvic and perineal pain.

RESULTS

Chronic postoperative pain is frequent, disabling and represent a high cost to the community. This pain is generated by variable and complex interactions between the surgical procedure (the operated zone, perioperative management, the disease requiring the operative procedure) and the patient (age, gender, genetics, concomitant diseases, personal history). The multifactorial nature of chronic postoperative pain suggests the need for multidisciplinary management with prevention and reduction of the main risk factors. Similarly, appropriate management of acute postoperative pain has a major impact on the risk of chronic pain.

CONCLUSION

A good knowledge of the risk factors and appropriate prevention can decrease the incidence and consequences of chronic postoperative pain.