What type of pain is most common immediately after surgery?

Acute pain due to tissue trauma is the most common type of pain experienced immediately after surgery. This type of pain arises as a direct result of the surgical procedure, where tissues are cut, manipulated, or otherwise traumatized. The body responds to this trauma through the activation of nociceptors, which are sensory receptors that signal pain.

Acute pain is typically characterized by its short duration and is often intense but diminishes as the body heals. The pain is usually well localized to the site of surgery and can be managed with medications, including opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Recognizing and managing acute pain effectively is crucial in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) to facilitate recovery and prevent complications.

In contrast, chronic pain stemming from previous conditions would not be the immediate concern in a postoperative setting. Neuropathic pain related to nerve damage may occur at a later stage if nerve injury has taken place during the surgery, but it is not typically present right after. Psychogenic pain can be related to emotional factors, such as anxiety; however, this type of pain is secondary to the physiological aspect of surgery and not the primary concern immediately following an operation.