Patients with higher levels of anxiety about pain before Mohs micrographic surgery experienced greater pain after surgery.
Postoperative pain can be magnified in patients who worry before surgery about the pain they may experience. To further examine this phenomenon in the context of Mohs surgery, investigators conducted a prospective study of 356 patients scheduled to undergo the procedure at one of two private Mohs practices in Florida.
Prior to surgery, patients were asked to complete two pain-prediction questionnaires: the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale (PASS). Within 48 hours after surgery, each patient was contacted by phone and asked to rate their pain on the day of surgery and on the day after surgery.
Patients with higher levels of anxiety about pain before surgery experienced greater pain after surgery. Preoperative…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)