Types and causes of chronic pain after laparoscopic operations

Laparoscopy has been introduced as a minimally invasive approach that has been developed to achieve the intended outcomes by open surgeries but with less frequent body injuries and complications. However, evidence indicates that the reported favourable outcomes are mainly based on retrospective data and using historical controls and only a few prospective investigations and clinical trials were published. Furthermore, studies have also demonstrated that following laparoscopy, severe pain can develop similar to or equal to the pain reported during open surgeries that develop within the earliest hours due to the significant tissue trauma introduced by laparoscopy. The present literature review discussed the different causes and types of chronic pain following laparoscopy. We also shed more light on the potential mechanisms and pathophysiology that attributes to the development of pain following laparoscopy. Many studies have indicated the development of chronic pain after 3, 6 and 12 months after hysterectomy, cholecystectomy, nephrectomy, colorectal surgeries and other abdominal surgeries. The development of postoperative main might be attributed to the tissue or nerve injury and associated inflammatory status that can also aid to the development of pain in such settings. Evidence also shows that the incidental pain following laparoscopy is similar or superior to that following open surgeries. Therefore, further interventional approaches are needed to enhance the outcomes.

Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Treatment of Intercostal Nerves for the Prevention of Incidental Pain Arising Due to Rib Metastasis

Background: Breakthrough pain (BTP) arising due to rib metastasis is very distressing and often very difficult to manage by titration of traditional analgesics. This study is undertaken to determine the efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) treatment of intercostal nerves for the prevention of BTP. Methods: The RF treatment of the intercostal nerves was carried out in 25 patients with uncontrolled BTP arising out of the rib metastasis. The intensity and episode of BTP, background pain, opioid dose, functional status (Karnofky score), and quality of life (Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36]) were noted at baseline visit and subsequently after the RF treatment. Results: After the RF treatment, there was more than 50% decrease in both intensity and frequency of BTP in more than 50% of patients for 3 months, and there was more than 50% decrease in BTP opioid dose in more than 50% of patients throughout the study period. There was also significant improvement in background pain, functional status, and the quality of life after the RF. Interestingly, pain relief, lowering of opioid dose, and functional status improvement were found mostly in patients with mixed and neuropathic type of pain and in patients in whom the metastasis were confined to the ribs only. Conclusion: RF of the intercostal nerves is effective in preventing and deceasing the severity of BTP arising due to rib metastasis in selected group of patients with mixed and neuropathic type of pain and with the metastasis involving the ribs only.