Methods of identifying patients at high risk of developingchronic postsurgical pain and techniques of its prevention

Persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP) is a significant adverse outcome that can occur after various types of surgeries.While some degree of postoperative pain is expected, a specific group of patients experiences persistent and severepain that adversely affects their quality of life for years following the initial procedure. The transition from acuteto chronic pain is a complex process actively being researched to uncover fundamental mechanisms significantlycontributing to this issue. Explaining the development of PPSP solely through tissue or nerve damage is not sufficient.More knowledge and insight into the fundamental pathophysiology of PPSP and the risk factors contributing to thetransition from acute to chronic pain after surgery, is needed to identify patients most susceptible to developingPPSP. To achieve this, based on current and future research, it is essential to isolate certain characteristics, geneticpredispositions, and psychological conditions conducive to the development of PPSP. Additionally, it is important toidentify evidence-based multimodal strategies that can effectively help prevent PPSP. A comprehensive understandingof the physiological, psychological, and perioperative factors involved in pain mechanisms is necessary for developing predictive models that enable the identification of individuals at high risk for PPSP. and for implementing effectivepreventive interventions and therapies for those already experiencing PPSP.