Types and causes of chronic pain after laparoscopic operations

Laparoscopy has been introduced as a minimally invasive approach that has been developed to achieve the intended outcomes by open surgeries but with less frequent body injuries and complications. However, evidence indicates that the reported favourable outcomes are mainly based on retrospective data and using historical controls and only a few prospective investigations and clinical trials were published. Furthermore, studies have also demonstrated that following laparoscopy, severe pain can develop similar to or equal to the pain reported during open surgeries that develop within the earliest hours due to the significant tissue trauma introduced by laparoscopy. The present literature review discussed the different causes and types of chronic pain following laparoscopy. We also shed more light on the potential mechanisms and pathophysiology that attributes to the development of pain following laparoscopy. Many studies have indicated the development of chronic pain after 3, 6 and 12 months after hysterectomy, cholecystectomy, nephrectomy, colorectal surgeries and other abdominal surgeries. The development of postoperative main might be attributed to the tissue or nerve injury and associated inflammatory status that can also aid to the development of pain in such settings. Evidence also shows that the incidental pain following laparoscopy is similar or superior to that following open surgeries. Therefore, further interventional approaches are needed to enhance the outcomes.