Attitudes, beliefs, and expectations of gynecological patients toward postoperative pain and its managementt.

Objective: To examine the attitudes, beliefs, and expectations of gynecological patients regarding postoperative pain and management.

Material And Method: A prospective study performed in 112 patients undergoing major gynecological surgery, using a preoperative questionnaire regarding expectations toward postoperative pain and management and a postoperative questionnaire regarding actual pain experience, attitudes, and beliefs about pain and management.

Results: The majority expected (92%) and experienced (89%) postoperative pain at moderate to very severe levels. The median visual analog scales (VAS) of expected and maximum experienced pain were 6.4 and 6 6, respectively. Ninety-eight percent reported at least moderate pain relief from the analgesics administered. Ninety-two percent were satisfied with their pain management. A significant number held misconceptions about postoperative pain and its management.

Conclusion: Patients should be preoperatively advised regarding postoperative pain and management. Misunderstandings should be corrected to improve the quality and adequacy of postoperative pain management.