The IASP classification of chronic pain for ICD-11: chronic postsurgical or posttraumatic pain ¦ ⸢23.04⸥
The IASP classification of chronic pain for ICD-11: chronic postsurgical or posttraumatic pain ¦ ⸢23.04⸥
The IASP classification of chronic pain for ICD-11: chronic postsurgical or posttraumatic pain
Background on chronic postsurgical or posttraumatic pain
Chronic pain after tissue trauma is common and often underestimated, impacting the quality of life. The prevalence of chronic postsurgical pain varies depending on the type of surgery, with severe cases affecting 2% to 15% of patients. Neuropathic pain is prevalent in operations like amputation, hernia repair, and mastectomy. Chronic pain after trauma, including multitrauma and burns, is also widespread but often underdiagnosed and poorly treated.
The need for a classification system
Recognition of surgery and trauma as causes of chronic pain is essential for improving quality of life. The current International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) lacks appropriate diagnostic categories for chronic pain conditions post-surgery or trauma. This hinders identification, diagnosis, and treatment, leading to underrepresentation in health statistics and hindering research and health policies.
The IASP Task Force ICD initiative
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) formed a task force to enhance the representation of chronic pain in ICD-11. The classification focuses on chronic pain, excluding acute pain, and is part of the ICD-11 foundation layer, improving identification, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic pain states post-surgery or trauma. Extension codes allow specifying pain severity, time course, and psychological factors.
