Association of patient-reported substance use and postoperative pain
Authors' conclusion
Preoperative substance use is common and is correlated with higher levels of patient-reported pain after surgery, but within minimal clinically important differences.
Study context
- Population
- Adults aged 18 years and older undergoing common surgical procedures, December 2018 to July 202342.2% positive TAPS
- Participants
- 4,410 adults
- Exposure
- Positive vs negative preoperative TAPS screen
- Outcome
- 'Worst' overall pain (scale 0-10, 0=no pain, 10=worst pain imaginable)
- Follow-up
- Prior to surgery, 2 weeks postoperatively, and 1 month postoperatively
Methodological detailsmulticentre (three institutions), adjusted mixed linear models
- Multicentre (three institutions)
- Adjusted mixed linear models
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Worst overall pain score · 1 month postoperatively
Positive TAPS
2.66
Negative TAPS
2.41
P = 0.036
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Positive TAPS | Negative TAPS | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worst overall pain score at baseline · prior to surgeryAdjusted for patient factors | 3.51 | 3.15 | P < 0.001 |
Original publication
Association of patient-reported substance use and postoperative pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 4 February 2026. doi:10.
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