Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the characteristics of persistent postoperative pain and sensory disturbances following surgical repair of pectus carinatum.
METHODS: Using a prospective observational design, 28 patients were assessed before, 6 weeks and 6 months after a modified Ravitch operation for pectus carinatum. Postoperative pain was assessed using the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Sensory testing was conducted to detect brush-evoked allodynia and pinprick hyperalgesia. Additionally, generic and disease-specific quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 Health Survey and the Nuss Questionnaire Modified for Adults before and after surgery.
RESULTS: Six weeks after surgery, ten patients reported mild pain or discomfort. Six months after surgery, four patients reported only mild pain. Allodynia was detected in two patients 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery. Hyperalgesia was detected in eight patients 6 weeks after surgery, and in six patients 6 months after surgery. Generic quality of life was significantly improved over time.
CONCLUSIONS: The study showed no significant pain problems, a tendency to reduced sensory disturbances and significant improvements in quality of life 6 months after surgical repair of pectus carinatum. Future studies should include a longer follow-up period to determine if these positive results are persistent.
LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: 1 (Prognosis Study).
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Tidsskrift | Journal of Pediatric Surgery |
Vol/bind | 53 |
Udgave nummer | 4 |
Sider (fra-til) | 733-739 |
Antal sider | 7 |
ISSN | 0022-3468 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - apr. 2018 |