THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PAIN ANXIETY AND POST-OPERATIVE PAIN IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHOLECYSTECTOMY SURGERY

This descriptive observational study aims to examine the relationship between preoperative fear of postoperative pain and postoperative pain intensity in patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Postoperative pain is one of the most common and significant clinical problems following surgical procedures. Psychological factors such as anxiety and fear of pain are known to influence pain perception and recovery outcomes. Preoperative fear related to postoperative pain may increase perceived pain intensity and negatively affect the postoperative recovery process. The study will be conducted in the general surgery clinics of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 106 adult patients scheduled for cholecystectomy will be included. Preoperative fear of postoperative pain will be assessed one day before surgery using the Postoperative Pain Fear Scale. Postoperative pain intensity will be evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale at the 4th, 12th, and 24th hours after surgery. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between preoperative pain-related fear and postoperative pain severity, and to provide evidence to improve perioperative nursing care and pain management strategies.