Prediction of Postoperative Pain Using Venous Cannulation Pain and Preoperative Anxiety Scores

Postoperative pain remains a significant clinical problem affecting recovery, mobilization, and patient satisfaction after surgery. Considerable interindividual variability exists in postoperative pain intensity even among patients undergoing the same surgical procedure. This variability may be influenced not only by the extent of surgical trauma but also by individual pain sensitivity and psychological factors such as preoperative anxiety.

The aim of this prospective observational study is to evaluate whether pain intensity reported during routine venous cannulation and preoperative anxiety levels assessed by the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) can predict early postoperative pain severity in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Venous cannulation pain will be assessed using a 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS), and anxiety levels will be measured preoperatively using APAIS. Postoperative pain will be evaluated at predefined time points within the first 12 hours after surgery using VAS scores and analgesic consumption. Identifying simple and easily obtainable preoperative predictors may allow individualized postoperative analgesic strategies for patients at higher risk of severe postoperative pain.