The Breast : official journal of the European Society of Mastology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Immediate reconstruction in breast cancer surgery requires intensive post-operative pain treatment but the effects of axillary dissection may be more predictive of chronic pain.
The aim of this study was to investigate post-operative pain intensity, analgesic consumption and the incidence of chronic pain in women after different types of breast cancer surgery. Patients were randomized to either patient-controlled analgesia or nurse-administered analgesia. Opioid-consumption was registered for 24 h. ⋯ The incidence of remaining pain was 25% after 3-4 years. Immediate breast reconstruction causes severe post-operative pain that can respond poorly to opioids. Chronic pain after breast cancer surgery is common and should be further analysed aiming at better prevention and treatment options.