Post Operative Pain Management in Oncosurgerical Patients:An Observational Analysis of Outcome And Satisfaction

Postoperative pain (POP) remains a significant global healthcare challenge. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and pharmacological options, many patients continue to experience moderate to severe pain after surgery. This has been linked to inconsistent pain assessment, limited availability or underuse of opioids, lack of provider training, and absence of structured pain protocols, particularly in resource-limited settings [1,2,3]. These deficiencies not only impair patient comfort but also contribute to complications, prolonged hospital stays, and reduced satisfaction with care [2,4]. International studies have shown that effective POP management improves substantially with the use of validated pain assessment tools and structured feedback systems. Institutions that have implemented such approaches report better pain relief outcomes and fewer side effects [3,4]. For instance, hospitals in Southeast Asia and North Africa have documented low opioid usage and inadequate analgesic practices due to regulatory constraints and lack of standardized protocols [1,3]. In India, similar issues persist. Although analgesics are generally available, pain is often under-assessed due to the absence of consistent documentation and language-appropriate tools. Studies in tertiary care centers have found variable practices and low patient satisfaction linked to this inconsistency [6,7]. To address the language barrier, the APS-POQ-R tool has been recently translated and validated in Hindi and Marathi, providing a reliable, culturally relevant instrument for Indian patients [8]. However, its routine use in clinical settings, especially for cancer surgery patients, is still limited. Acute Pain Services (APS) are structured, multidisciplinary teams aimed at providing consistent, effective, and patient-centered pain management. These services include regular assessment, personalized analgesic regimens, patient education, and outcome monitoring. While APS has demonstrated success in improving postoperative outcomes globally, its adoption in India remains sporadic and often lacks standardization [10]. The need for structured pain assessment is especially important in oncosurgery patients, who typically undergo more extensive procedures, often with pre-existing cancer-related pain. Inadequate postoperative pain control in this group can lead to poor functional recovery, immune suppression, psychological distress, and delays in starting chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Additionally, patients may underreport pain or accept it as inevitable, masking the actual burden [5]. The Revised American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire (APS-POQ-R) is a validated tool that captures various aspects of the pain experience, including intensity, functional interference, side effects, and satisfaction with treatment [9]. Applying this tool specifically in oncosurgical patients can help assess current practices, identify shortcomings, and support the development of evidence-based Acute Pain Services tailored to oncology care in India.