The nature, extent, and impact of pain 6 weeks following coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Affiliated institutions include: St. Michael s Hospital (J. Parkes, L. Beavers, R. Bunston, P. Fox), University of Toronto (S. Jaglal)Purpose: To determine the nature, extent, and impact of pain 6 weeks after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery, as well the demographic and clinical factors associated with ongoing pain at 6 weeks. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with 30 participants who have undergone CABG surgery. A chart review was completed on all participants to obtain demographic and health-related information. A telephone questionnaire was conducted with all participants 6 weeks after CABG surgery to obtain information related to pain and compliance with the physical therapy discharge program (home walking program, exercise program, and sternal precautions). Results: The majority of participants (66.7%) reported ongoing pain 6 weeks following CABG surgery, most commonly around the sternal incision. Although reported pain was mild on average, 15-30% of participants reported moderate to severe pain depending on the activity. Seventy percent reported that their pain impacts their daily activities, with one third reporting a moderate to severe impact. Ongoing pain was significantly associated with level of compliance with both the home walking and exercise programs (p=0.012 and p=0.039, respectively). Conclusions: Compliance with a physical therapy discharge program appears to limit the course of pain following CABG surgery, allowing individuals to return to their activities of daily living