Postoperative pain in craniotomy

Authors

  • Andréa Ungaro Peón Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein
  • Solange Diccini Universidade Federal de São Paulo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692005000400005

Keywords:

pain, craniotomy, postoperative care, nursing

Abstract

In the postoperative period, 47% to 75% of the patients report some degree of pain. This study aimed to evaluate pain in the pre and postoperative period of patients submitted to craniotomy. This prospective research was carried out at the neurosurgery unit of a large Brazilian hospital. For a quantitative evaluation of pain, the verbal numeric 0 - 10 rating scale was used. Forty patients with a mean age of 36 years were evaluated. In the preoperative period, 34 (85%) patients indicated headache as the main cause of pain. In the postoperative period, 37 (93%) patients complained of pain while three (7%) reported absence of pain. Pain peaks were observed on the 2nd postoperative day, when 12 (32%) of the patients reported severe pain and 10 (27%) moderate pain. Absence of severe pain occurred after the 8th postoperative day. It was concluded that protocols of analgesia in craniotomy are needed, such as training nurses to better evaluate and handle pain.

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Published

2005-08-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Postoperative pain in craniotomy. (2005). Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 13(4), 489-495. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-11692005000400005