Chronic Chest Pain After Open Heart Surgery In 1 out of 3 patients
Summary Of 3 Clinical Trials - The Incidence, Characteristics And Clinical Course Of Post-Sternotomy Pain
Chronic Chest Pain After Open Heart Surgery: Incidence and Clinical Course
Chronic chest pain is a well-recognized issue following open heart surgery. While it is expected that patients may experience some postoperative pain, a significant number of patients continue to report persistent chest pain even months after the surgery. This blog will delve into the findings of three clinical trials that shed light on the incidence, characteristics, and clinical course of post-sternotomy pain.
Study 1: Uppsala, Sweden: Chronic Pain After Heart Surgery - An Evaluation of 349 Consecutive Patients
The aim of this study, conducted in Uppsala, Sweden, was to determine the incidence of chronic post-sternotomy pain in patients who underwent sternotomy for cardiac surgery. The researchers prospectively evaluated 349 consecutive patients one year after their surgery. The patients were asked to describe and rate any persistent pain they experienced following the surgical procedure.
The results of the study revealed that more than one-quarter of all patients reported chest discomfort that differed from their pre-surgery experience. Additionally, 13% of patients reported high levels of pain intensity, while 4% of patients reported severe pain. Importantly, there was no significant difference in pain incidence and intensity when comparing patients who underwent different surgical procedures.
Study 2: Helsinki, Finland - Chronic Post-Sternotomy Pain: Incidence and Impact
This study conducted in Helsinki, Finland, aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of chronic post-sternotomy pain in patients who had undergone coronary bypass grafting (CABG) in 1994. The researchers sent out a questionnaire to 720 patients asking about the presence of pain and other symptoms in the chest, shoulders, arms, or legs that they believed were related to their surgery.
The study found that 28% of the patients still experienced post-sternotomy pain, with 38% of those rating the pain as moderate to severe. Furthermore, one-third of patients with post-sternotomy pain reported sleep disturbances due to the pain. The study highlights the significant impact of chronic post-sternotomy pain on patients' daily lives.
Study 3: University of Aberdeen, Scotland - Prevalence and Risk Factors for Chronic Post-Cardiac Surgery Pain
Another study conducted at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland followed a cohort of 1,348 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 1996 and 2000. Chronic pain was defined as pain in the location of surgery, different from pre-operative pain, persisting beyond 3 months post-surgery. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic pain and identify potential risk factors.
The findings revealed a cumulative prevalence of chronic post-cardiac surgery pain of 39.3%. Interestingly, the prevalence of chronic pain decreased with age, from 55% in patients under 60 years old to 34% in patients over 70 years old. Patients with pre-operative angina and those who were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25) at the time of surgery were more likely to report chronic pain.
Conclusion
These three clinical trials have provided valuable insights into the incidence, characteristics, and clinical course of chronic post-sternotomy pain following open heart surgery. It is evident that a significant proportion of patients continue to experience persistent chest pain even months after their surgery. The findings underscore the importance of informing patients about the possibility of chronic pain and the potential impact it may have on their daily lives. Further research is needed to develop effective strategies for managing and alleviating chronic chest pain in this patient population.
Solution
The Posthorax Sternum Vest has proven to improve the healing process of the sternum bone and prevent pain, infections and lung complications.
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