Post-episiotomy chronic neuropatic pain: Postpartal chronic neuropathic pain

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic postsurgical pain has an estimated mean incidence of 30% and varies according to the type of surgery and patient characteristics. The pain can be severe and result in clinically relevant functional impairment reported by 5-10% of patients. Epidemiological surveys have shown that many patients with neuropathic pain do not receive appropriate treatment. Bio-psycho-social model of chronic pain is highly expressive in neuropathic pain management and requires the adjustment of the therapeutic approach. Case Report: A 37-year-old female complained of numbness, burning, and discomfort of the perineum. In 2016, after the vaginal baby delivery followed by episiotomy, she experienced discomfort and variety of painful sensations in the episiotomy incision region. A year later, after a hemorrhoid surgery followed by episiotomy scar reconstruction symptoms intensified with a strong influence on the patient's psychosocial condition. Consultation of obstetrician, psychiatrist and neurologist took part. Nevertheless, after two years had passed without significant clinical improvement, the patient was referred to a pain specialist. The pain specialist noticed inconsistency in the current treatment and the pain assessment was done only by one specialist. Testing revealed severe symptoms of hyperalgesia and allodynia, impaired psychosocial functioning related to chronic postsurgical pain. Pregabalin and duloxetine were introduced into the therapy and significantly improved pain relief and psychosocial functioning. Conclusion: Chronic postsurgical neuropathic pain is a complex syndrome which is not necessarily related to extensive surgical stimulus. The multidisciplinary therapy approach is crucial. Health providers who understand bio-psycho-social origin of chronic pain should be members of a multidisciplinary team.

Keywords

• episiotomy
• post-surgical
• chronic pain
• quality of life