Clinical Utility of the Numerical Verbal Scale (NVS) and the Pain and Functional Activity Scale (PFAS) in the Management of Rescue Analgesia in Acute Postoperative Pain. Randomized Study.

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating postoperative pain management in patients undergoing scheduled surgery with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) admission. The study aims to compare two methods for deciding when rescue analgesia is needed: the traditional Numerical Verbal Scale (NVS) versus a new combined Pain and Functional Activity Scale (PFAS) that includes functional limitations. This randomized, single-blind study focuses on acute postoperative pain and functional activity to improve recovery and avoid overtreatment with opioids. Participants are assigned to one of two groups. Group A receives rescue analgesia based on NVS scores greater than 4, while Group B receives analgesia if pain during movement (NVSm) is greater than 4 and there is severe functional limitation (FAS grade C). Rescue analgesia is self-administered using morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) at a maximum dose of 0.075 mg/kg every 15 minutes, up to three times per hour. The intervention period covers the first two days after surgery. During the study, participants will be assessed before surgery and at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively using pain scales (NVS, mNVS, FAS), cognitive tests (Pfeiffer questionnaire), confusion assessments (CAM), and monitoring of analgesia side effects. Researchers will also collect data on demographics, surgery details, anesthesia, analgesia guidelines, nighttime rest, patient satisfaction, and desire for more analgesia. The primary measurements focus on pain and functional activity to evaluate rescue analgesia needs during the early postoperative period.

Clinical Utility of the Numerical Verbal Scale (NVS) and the Pain and Functional Activity Scale (PFAS) in the Management of Rescue Analgesia in Acute Postoperative Pain. Randomized Study.