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Chronic postsurgical pain and persistent opioid use following surgery: the need for a transitional pain service.

AIM
To identify the 3-month incidence of chronic postsurgical pain and long-term opioid use in patients at the Toronto General Hospital.


METHODS
200 consecutive patients presenting for elective major surgery completed standardized questionnaires by telephone at 3 months after surgery.


RESULTS
51 patients reported a preoperative chronic pain condition, with 12 taking opioids preoperatively. 3 months after surgery 35% of patients reported having surgical site pain and 13.5% continued to use opioids for postsurgical pain relief. Postoperative opioid use was associated with interference with walking and work, and lower mood.


CONCLUSION
Chronic postsurgical pain and ongoing opioid use are concerns that warrant the implementation of a Transitional Pain Service to modify the pain trajectories and enable effective opioid weaning following major surgery.