Key result
Pre-operative depression is linked to greater postoperative pain <72 hours and >6 months after surgery.
Why the study?
Depression is common before surgery and may be associated with worse postoperative pain outcomes, but its impact needed characterisation.
Does pre-operative depression worsen postoperative pain outcomes in patients undergoing major surgery?
Comparison
Patients with pre-operative depression vs those without depression
Design
Systematic review and multilevel random effects meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors
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Pre-operative depression was associated with greater postoperative pain; leaves open whether screening or treatment improves outcomes.
Meta-Analysis (n=501,962)
Does pre-operative depression worsen postoperative pain outcomes in patients undergoing major surgery?
Standardized Mean Difference: 0.97 (95% CI 0.37–1.56)
p-value: p=0.009
Pre-existing depression before major surgery is associated with worse postoperative pain severity, highlighting the need for integrated psychological care.
Lee et al. (2023) conducted a meta-analysis in Major surgery (n=501,962). Pre-operative depression vs. No pre-operative depression was evaluated on Postoperative pain scores at < 72 hours (SMD 0.97, 95% CI 0.37-1.56, p=0.009). Pre-operative depression was associated with significantly greater postoperative pain scores at < 72 hours (SMD 0.97; 95% CI 0.37-1.56; p=0.009) and > 6 months after major surgery.
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