A study of acute surgical patients, prevalence of chronic pain and relationship to length of stay


T. Coles, C. De La Rosa Orjuela, M. Payne

Introduction

Preoperative pain and opioid use have been linked to increased postoperative pain and longer recovery periods. Approximately 20% of Australians suffer from chronic pain and are often prescribed long-term opioids. In 2007, the cost of chronic pain in Australia was estimated to be greater than $34 billion, $11 billion due to productivity costs and $7 billion direct healthcare costs. Length of stay in hospitals is not only an outcome indicator but also a cost index in patient’s care. This study aims to examine the relationship between preoperative chronic pain, preoperative opioid and length of hospital stay in acute surgical patients from a three month period in a rural setting. 

Methods

Medical records from a 3 month period from 2019 were examined. Cases included in the study were those where an operative procedure took place, namely a laparoscopic or open procedure. Electronic medical records were used to examine whether patients were on opioid medications prior to their hospital admission and whether a diagnosis of chronic pain had been made. This data was assessed in conjunction with length of hospital stay. 

Results

Preliminary results have identified 114 patients eligible to be included in the analysis. Of these, 77 (68%) underwent a laparoscopic abdominal procedure and 26 (22%) had documented preoperative chronic pain. Of the 114 participants only 11% were on opioid analgesics preoperatively. The average length of stay of all participants over the 3 month period was 5 days.