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POST-OPERATIVE
PAIN

What is pain ?

  • A defense system for the body¹

Pain is triggered when the body detects danger: a burn, for example. When a pain receptor detects this danger, it raises the alarm by triggering a message, carried by the nerves to the spinal cord, which then triggers a defense reaction.
The spinal cord also transmits the message to the brain, where the sensation of pain is triggered.

  • A defense system for the body¹

Pain is triggered when the body detects danger: a burn, for example. When a pain receptor detects this danger, it raises the alarm by triggering a message, carried by the nerves to the spinal cord, which then triggers a defense reaction.
The spinal cord also transmits the message to the brain, where the sensation of pain is triggered.

  • The pain circuit¹

  • The pain circuit¹

  • What is post-operative pain ?

Just as when you burn yourself, your body perceives surgery as a potential threat. So it's perfectly normal to feel pain after surgery, as your body reacts to this warning.

Surgery can cause injury to tissues and nerves, triggering inflammatory reactions. These reactions make pain receptors more sensitive, which can lead to symptoms such as redness, pain and swelling.

However, this pain is short-lived, lasting no more than 3 months. This is known as acute post-operative pain.
When the pain circuit is damaged
In some cases, the pain message can alter your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and cause pain that persists for a long time: at first, your brain amplifies the pain, and over time, this can become chronic pain. Pain is said to become chronic when it persists for more than 6 months.

  • What is post-operative pain ?

Just as when you burn yourself, your body perceives surgery as a potential threat. So it's perfectly normal to feel pain after surgery, as your body reacts to this warning.

Surgery can cause injury to tissues and nerves, triggering inflammatory reactions. These reactions make pain receptors more sensitive, which can lead to symptoms such as redness, pain and swelling.

However, this pain is short-lived, lasting no more than 3 months. This is known as acute post-operative pain.
When the pain circuit is damaged
In some cases, the pain message can alter your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and cause pain that persists for a long time: at first, your brain amplifies the pain, and over time, this can become chronic pain. Pain is said to become chronic when it persists for more than 6 months.

Prevent post-operative pain

Although acute pain after an operation is normal, it is essential to take steps to prevent it becoming chronic. Whether pain becomes chronic depends mainly on two factors: the intensity of the pain immediately after the operation and the length of time you feel it.² This is why it is crucial for surgeons to manage pain well immediately after the operation to reduce the risk of it becoming chronic.

  • How can this chronic pain be prevented?

  • How can this chronic pain be prevented?

For optimum management of your pain, your surgeon will work on three aspects 3 : the anaesthetic techniques used during the operation, the surgical techniques employed and the choice of implants used.

Schéma des domaines chirurgicaux
Surgical technique
Anesthesia
Implants

Surgical technique:

The choice of the surgical technique can also influence your level of post-operative pain. Some surgical procedures may cause less trauma to the surrounding tissue, which can reduce pain and speed recovery. Your surgeon will take care to select the most appropriate technique for your case, taking into account factors such as the location of the operation and your medical history.

Anesthesia techniques:

Before the operation, your medical team will choose the anesthesia methods best suited to your situation. This may include local analgesics administered during the procedure to reduce immediate pain after surgery, regional or general anaesthetic techniques may be used to minimize the perception of pain during and after the operation.

Choice of implants:

The choice of implants, especially for hernia repair, is crucial to your post-operative recovery and comfort. Specific prostheses can be selected to reduce pain after surgery. Some prostheses are designed with special materials and features that help minimize complications and improve your well-being after surgery. Here's an overview:
- Partially resorbable implants : Partially resorbable implants are a combination of biological and non-resorbable materials. The resorbable part is gradually broken down by the body, promoting tissue regeneration and also ensuring optimal comfort over time.
- Functionalized implants : Wall reinforcement implants with prolonged analgesic release can be used to reduce post-operative pain while reinforcing the abdominal wall. These implants help minimize the risk of chronic pain and improve patient comfort after surgery.
Your surgeon will discuss the various options available with you and select those best suited to your specific needs, ensuring your comfort and optimal recovery.

Pillars of immediate post-operative pain management.

Select a pillar to find out more.

By working on these three pillars - anesthesia techniques, surgical technique and implant selection - your medical team will ensure that you receive the best care for optimal recovery with minimal post-operative pain.

¹ Fondation pour la recherche médicale. https://www.frm.org/recherche-maladies-neurolohiques/douleur/focus-douleur (2024).
² Euro CPSP, Fletcher EJA (2015 soumis)
³Livre blanc de la douleur, SFETD, 2022

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