Pain and sensory disturbances following surgical repair of pectus carinatum

J Pediatr Surg. 2018 Apr;53(4):733-739. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.08.015. Epub 2017 Aug 25.

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).

Keywords: Pain; Pectus carinatum; Postoperative; Sensory disturbance.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Humans
  • Hyperalgesia / diagnosis*
  • Hyperalgesia / etiology
  • Male
  • Orthopedic Procedures*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pain, Postoperative / diagnosis*
  • Pectus Carinatum / surgery*
  • Prognosis
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult