Prediction of Postoperative Pain Intensity with Self Anticipated Pain Score Prior to Elective Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: Pain is a complex subjective experience involving sensory, emotional, and cognitive components. Effective postoperative pain management is essential, as inadequate control can lead to prolonged hospital stays, delayed mobilization, disrupted sleep, and increased opioid use. This study aimed to identify predictors of severe postoperative pain to enhance pain management strategies. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over one year in the Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, BPKIHS, involving 210 elective surgery patients (ages 18–85, ASA Physical Status I–II). Demographic data and preoperative self-anticipated pain scores were collected to assess their relationship with postoperative pain severity. Results: The Pain Catastrophizing Score (PCS) ranged from 0–26, with a mean of 8.3 ± 5.9. The Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) ranged from 5–25, with a mean of 9.83 ± 3.39. PCS significantly correlated with postoperative maximum pain (NRS) (Spearman’s rho = 0.165, p = 0.017). However, APAIS anxiety scores did not show significant correlation with postoperative NRS (p = 0.075). Predicted NRS and observed postoperative NRS were moderately and significantly correlated (r = 0.308, p < 0.001). Fisher’s exact test revealed a significant association between preoperative and postoperative NRS scores (p = 0.042). Conclusion: Preoperative pain catastrophizing is significantly associated with early postoperative pain intensity. Patients with higher predicted pain levels experienced more postoperative pain. Anxiety and other factors such as age, sex, ASA status, smoking, alcohol use, and surgery type showed no significant correlation with postoperative pain.