Chronic pain after hysterectomy

Purpose of review Hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure with a low risk of major complications. However, some women experience long-lasting complications, including chronic postsurgical pain, which can have a negative impact on their quality of life. This review aims to present the recent literature on chronic pain following hysterectomy for benign indications. Recent findings Chronic pain following hysterectomy is reported in 10–50% of women. Risk factors include preoperative pelvic pain, pain elsewhere, acute postoperative pain, surgical procedure, and psychological factors such as anxiety and depression. The pain may be neuropathic in 5–50% of cases. Summary Chronic pain may occur after hysterectomy. Preoperative screening tools, including psychological screening for depression and anxiety, may identify women at risk of developing chronic postsurgical pain, and future studies should examine perioperative interventions aimed at preventing the development of chronic pain after hysterectomy. Correspondence to Birgitte Brandsborg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, THG, Tage-Hansens Gade 2, bldg.2, 2., 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. Tel: +45 26844438; e-mail: birbrand@rm.dk Copyright © 2018 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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