Gschnell M, Volberg C, Eubel V, Pfützner W. Perioperative pain management in dermatosurgery - current practice in Germany: Data analysis of a Germany-wide online survey among dermatosurgeons.
J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023;
21:985-990. [PMID:
37448303 DOI:
10.1111/ddg.15134]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Adequate pain management should be part of the standard of care in surgical procedures. However, there is a paucity of data in the field of dermatosurgery. In a standardized online survey among dermatosurgeons working in Germany, the current practice of perioperative pain management was investigated.
METHODS
Members of the German Society for Dermatosurgery (DGDC) and heads of dermatosurgical departments were asked to participate. Questions were related to practical implementation of perioperative pain management, pain documentation and personal sources of information on the topic.
RESULTS
116 questionnaires were analyzed. While prophylactic analgesia is rarely used, the vast majority (86%) reported the use of postoperative on-demand medication. The majority of surgeons do not have a fixed regimen. Mostly NSAIDs and occasionally low potency opioids are used. Pain is documented by the majority (59.1%) as free text. Personal experience (69%) and in-house standards (51%) are the most important factors in pain management. The use of guidelines (25%) plays a minor role.
CONCLUSIONS
Perioperative pain management in dermatosurgery is strongly influenced by personal experience and may vary depending on the surgery performed. Consensus-based standardized recommendations are lacking. For adequate perioperative analgesia, the development of demand-oriented pain concepts is desirable. This requires prospective studies that address the specific patient population and surgical procedures in dermatology.
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