Abstract

Aim: To evaluate influence of dexmedetomidine on incidence of chronic postoperative pain and neuropathic pain.
Background: Chronic postoperative pain (CPSP), pain that cannot be explained by other causes and that persist more than 2 months after surgery, occurs in 10-50% of patients after the major abdominal surgery. It is a medical problem with huge economic implications. Intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine (DEX), a selective alpha2 adrenoreceptor agonist and presence of epidural analgesia may affect the incidence of CPSP.
Method: Adult surgical patients from the Clinical department of abdominal surgery UMC Ljubljana that were planned to undergo one of the following procedures: stomach surgery, pancreas surgery or large intestinal resections, were included in this prospective study. All patients had epidural analgesia and intraoperative DEX infusion. Three months after the procedure, structured questionnaire was send to patients. The intensity and quality of pain were examined. DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique 4) and painDetect questionnaires were used.
Results: We have received 42 (50%) properly filled DN4 questionnaires and 45 (53%) pain-detect questionnaires. The incidence of neuropathic pain in our study was 7.1% (3 patients have met criteria for neuropathic pain according to DN4).
Conclusion: Our prospective study might suggest a favorable role of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion on post-operative incidence of chronic postoperative pain

Keywords: Dexmedetomidine; Neuropathic pain; Abdominal surgery