Hashemi J, Soltani H, Esmaeili A, Yazdi F R, Seyed Sharifi S H. Correlation between serum vitamin D levels and postoperative pain following cholecystectomy at Imam Ali Hospital of Bojnurd. Tehran Univ Med J 2025; 83 (4) :277-286
URL:
http://tumj.tums.ac.ir/article-1-13571-en.html
1- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
2- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
Abstract: (466 Views)
Background: Postoperative pain is a significant concern after cholecystectomy. Given the role of vitamin D in pain management, this study investigated the correlation between preoperative vitamin D levels and postoperative pain severity in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with the aim of improving pain management and enhancing postoperative care.
Methods: This prospective observational study (January 2024- February 2025) was conducted on 87 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Imam Ali Hospital of Bojnurd. Inclusion criteria were age 18-45, non-urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and good physical status. Exclusion criteria were chronic pain, regular analgesic use, known psychiatric or neurological disease or treatment, substance abuse, emergency cholecystectomy, or conversion to open surgery. Participants fasted for 12 hours preoperatively. All received 1 g (IV) ceftriaxone one hour before and 12 hours after surgery. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and fentanyl and maintained with isoflurane, nitrous oxide, or oxygen. Anesthesia and surgical technique were standardized, with any deviations recorded. We collected demographic data and extracted perioperative details from records and interviews. Pre-induction venous blood samples were collected, processed, and stored at -20°C. Serum vitamin D concentrations were quantified via ELISA method, and participants were subsequently stratified into two groups based on these measurements. Postoperative pain was assessed on a Visual Analog Scale (0-10) at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours. Analgesic regimens followed standard protocol under physician supervision and were unaffected by the study.
Results: Lower serum vitamin D levels were associated with higher postoperative pain scores (P<0.01), with this relationship being significant at 6, 12, and 18 hours postoperatively (P<0.01, P<0.01, and P<0.05, respectively). Insufficient vitamin D levels and female gender were also independent risk factors for acute pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, preoperative vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased postoperative acute pain scores in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially in women. These findings may be useful for postoperative pain management in patients with vitamin D deficiency.
Type of Study:
Original Article |