Post-Surgery Nerve Pain After Da Vinci Surgery: Is It Normal?

Nerve pain after Da Vinci surgery?

Hello Doctor, my father underwent a Da Vinci surgery to remove a liver tumor in December 2015.
It has been about a year and a half since then, but he experiences nerve pain in the area where the abdominal incision was made.
On good weather days, he feels fine, but whenever the weather worsens, the pain becomes severe, causing him to lose his appetite and sleep.
At times, the pain is so intense that he ends up lying on the floor.
When I consulted the surgeon who performed the operation, he said this is normal.
I would like to ask, is this really normal?

Chin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/02

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery

It is normal to experience varying degrees of neuropathic pain at the surgical site after surgery; however, if the pain exceeds what is tolerable or is abnormal, a follow-up appointment may be necessary to investigate any other issues.

Reply Date: 2017/06/02

More Info

Post-surgery nerve pain, particularly after a Da Vinci robotic surgery, can be a concerning issue for many patients and their families. In your father's case, experiencing nerve pain at the surgical site more than a year after the procedure is not uncommon, but it does warrant further discussion and evaluation.

Nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain, can occur after any surgical procedure, especially if the surgery involves manipulation or cutting of nerves. The Da Vinci surgical system, while minimally invasive, still involves incisions and the potential for nerve irritation or damage. It is important to understand that the body goes through a healing process after surgery, and during this time, nerves can become hypersensitive or develop abnormal pain signals.

The fact that your father's pain is influenced by weather changes is interesting and not entirely unusual. Some patients report that their pain levels fluctuate with changes in weather, particularly with humidity and barometric pressure. This phenomenon is still being studied, but it is thought that changes in atmospheric pressure may affect the way pain is perceived in individuals with nerve sensitivity.

While the surgeon indicated that this pain is normal, it is crucial to assess the severity and impact of the pain on your father's quality of life. If the pain is severe enough to interfere with eating, sleeping, or daily activities, it may be necessary to explore additional treatment options. Chronic pain management can include a variety of approaches, such as physical therapy, medication adjustments, nerve blocks, or even alternative therapies like acupuncture or cognitive behavioral therapy.

It is also essential to rule out any other potential causes of the pain. Sometimes, persistent pain can be a sign of complications such as scar tissue formation, hernias, or other underlying conditions that may require further medical attention. Therefore, if the pain persists or worsens, it would be advisable to seek a second opinion or consult a pain management specialist who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.

In summary, while some degree of nerve pain after Da Vinci surgery can be expected, the severity and impact on your father's life should not be overlooked. Continuous communication with healthcare providers is vital to ensure that he receives the appropriate care and support for his condition. If necessary, advocating for further evaluation and treatment options can help improve his quality of life and manage his pain more effectively.

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