INTRODUCTIONPhantom limb sensations (PLS), phantom limb pain (PLP) and stump pain (SP) are well-recognised postamputation phenomena. However, there is a dearth of related epidemiological data in Asian populations. This study was conducted to fill the information gap.

METHODSTelephone interviews were conducted with patients who underwent lower limb amputations at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Information was obtained on phantom limb characteristics, perioperative pain and functional assessment.

RESULTSA total of 159 patients underwent amputations over a 31-month period. At the time of the interview, 47 patients had died and 66 were contactable, of whom 49 patients were interviewed. Of these, 31 (63%) patients experienced PLS. 22 patients had postoperative pain, with 9 having both PLP and SP, 3 having PLP alone and 10 having SP alone. Among the 12 patients with PLP, at least 6 (50%) experienced constant or daily pain and 7 (58%) scored their pain as moderate-to-severe. Among those with PLP and/or SP (n = 22), 5 were distressed by the pain, 11 were on analgesics and 3 received medical follow-up. 7 (32%) patients reported functional limitations secondary to PLP or SP. Altogether, 28 (57%) patients were wheelchair or bed bound.

CONCLUSIONThe incidence of PLP was 25% in our cohort. Although this is lower than that reported in other studies, it remains significant, as some patients suffered moderate-to-severe pain. The difference in incidence may be due to differences in the ethnic composition and/or indications for amputation in our group. Follow-up and care could improve the outcomes in these patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Amputation ; adverse effects ; Cohort Studies ; Disabled Persons ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain, Postoperative ; Phantom Limb ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

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Pain, Postoperative*

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Pain, Postoperative*

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Phantom Limb

Electrocardiography* ; Pain, Postoperative*

No abstract available.
Endorphins* ; Pain, Postoperative* ; Plasma*

Results of hemorrhoidectomy by CO2 laser versus hemorrhoidectomy by surgical blade. To determine whether hemorrhoidectomy by CO2 laser has any superiority or not in comparison with hemorrhoidectomy by surgical blade, the authors reviewed 152 cases of hemorrhoidectomies within 3 years (1998-2000) at University Medical Centre. 83 cases were operated by CO2 laser and 69 cases were operated by surgical blade. By comparison the early and late results between the two groups, the authors recognized that hemorrhoidectomy by CO2 laser had relieved postoperative pain, apart from that, early and late complications were same.
Hemorrhoids ; Pain, Postoperative ; Surgery

From Oct. 1997 to Oct. 1999 in Neurosurgery Department of St Paul Hospital, Ha Noi, 42 patients ≥ 4 years old underwent a cranioplasty for skull lacuna using carbon composite "intost-2". The pathologic postoperative conditions were 14.29% with extradural hematomas, 30.95% subdural hematomas, 54.76% cerebral wounds; located on frontal sited 40.48%, temporal 33.33%, parietal 21.43%, occipital 4.76%. Surgical produres were scar removal and cranioplasty 78.58%, scar removal and meningoplasty and skull repair 21.43%. These 42 cases were carried out succesfully with 7-10 hospital days, symptoms caused by skull lacuna were improved, only 1 case of failure
Skull ; Pain, Postoperative ; carbon

Objective: To determine if early discharge after mastectomy is a safe alternative to the standard duration of postoperative hospital confinement. Methods: This is a review of breast cancer patients who were discharged early after mastectomy consulting at the breast center at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center from May 2007-May 2010. The following variables were recorded: date of surgery, date of discharge, presence of surgical site morbidities such as infection, dehiscence, necrosis and significant pain, date of 1st drain removal, date of 2nd drain removal, presence of seroma, application of elastic bandage. Results: Of the 60 patients: 43 (71.7%) were from CVGH Breast Specialty Clinic and 17 (28.3%) from VSMMC Breast Clinic. There were 9 patients (15%) who developed surgical site morbidities, namely: infection -3 (5.0%), minimal partial wound dehiscence -4 (6.7%), superficial skin necrosis -2 (3.3%). No patient complained of significant pain on follow-up. The first drain was removed within a mean of 6 days. The second drain was removed a mean of 7 days. Fifteen patients (25%) developed seroma. There was no readmission due to morbidities. Conclusion: Early discharge after mastectomy is a safe alternative to the standard duration of postoperative hospital confinement. Key words: mastectomy, postoperative pain
Human ; MASTECTOMY ; PAIN, POSTOPERATIVE

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding post-operative pain management among nurses working in the surgical units in Kandy, Sri Lanka. DESIGN: The study was based on quantitative method, specifically descriptive design. Samples were selected using the probability sampling technique of simple random sampling. The sample size obtained was 200 nurses using 95% confidence level and a 4% margin of error for a population of 300 nurses in the research setting. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was chosen as a data collection method, and this questionnaire contained 36 questions under four sub-topics. A box was kept in the matron office in the surgical section to collect the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis with percentages. FINDINGS: According to the research findings, 66% (132) were knowledgeable about the meaning of post-operative pain management. Post-operative pain management was identified by 74% (148) of the respondents, and 26% (52) correctly indicated that the most accurate judge of post-operative pain is the patients' self-report. When considering the attitudes, 66% (132) of the participants agreed that post-operative patients show discomfort before receiving the next analgesics. Among the participants, 60% (120) of nurses worried that patients would become addicted to analgesics that they give, while 20% (40) disagreed, and 2% strongly disagreed. 54% (108) of the nurses stated that patients were kept under close observation and the pain was monitored regularly, while 46% (92) expressed that patient is kept in a comfortable position. To manage post-operative pain, 80% (160) used non-pharmacological methods while 20% (40) did not. CONSLUSIONS: The findings of this study identified problems such as inadequate knowledge, and inappropriate attitudes and practices regarding postoperative pain management.
Pain, Postoperative ; Knowledge