Psychosocial and quality of life impact on patients with failed back surgery syndrome^*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Triggering and chronicity of failed back surgery syndrome should consider psychosocial and emotional factors which impair quality of life. This study aimed at identifying such factors and at evaluating quality of life of failed back surgery syndrome patients.

METHODS:

This is a descriptive, exploratory, comparative, cross-sectional study with quantitative approach. Sample was made up of a test group (I) diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome (n=16) and a control group (II) undergoing inter-consultation in the Pain Clinic (n=15). Tools were the visual analog scale and Fischer dolorimeter. WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life and Beck Anxiety Inventory and Depression Inventory were used to evaluate emotional factors anxiety and depression.

RESULTS:

There has been predominance of females on both groups, mean age was 42.3±5.8 (group I), most were married and mean education was 8.4±3.0 years. Mean pain duration was 0.7±0.3 months after surgery in group I with lower pain threshold. Physical dimensions and social relations were the most affected on quality of life, as well as anxiety and depression levels.

CONCLUSION:

Our results have shown worse pain, quality of life, anxiety and depression in group I, suggesting a better knowledge of potential postoperative complications aiming at preventing the establishment of an abnormal functionality pattern.

Chronic pain; Failed back surgery syndrome; Psycho-social impact; Quality of life