RESUMEN
Objective To quantify the levels of satisfaction and pain of patients submitted to external fixation removal without anesthesia at an outpatient facility. Methods The present was a prospective study involving 28 patients using external fixators who answered 3 questionnaires associated with the Visual Analogue and Numerical Pain Scale during different moments of the removal. Results The average pain prior to fixator removal was of 3.61. Shortly after the procedure, the patients reported that, on average, the most intense pain scored 6.68, and the least intense pain, 2.25 points. The average pain variation was of 4.43 points, and pain after 1 week scored, on average, 2.03 points. The recollection of the pain after fixator removal scored lower than the pain reported immediately after the procedure (mean value: 5.29). Most patients were middle-aged men, and 89.3% used circular external fixators. The main limb segment involved was the leg, and most patients (71.4%) had never used an external fixator before; they preferred the removal at an outpatient facility because it was faster (75%), and to avoid hospitalization (25%). The most intense pain was felt during the removal of Schanz pins (60.7%), being worse in the extremities of the limbs for 75% of the patients. An absolute majority of 85.7% was satisfied with the removal, and 82.1% stated that they would undergo the procedure again. Conclusion External fixator removal at an outpatient facility without anesthesia is a well-tolerated option for patients, with good levels of approval and satisfaction.
RESUMEN
Abstract Objective To quantify the levels of satisfaction and pain of patients submitted to external fixation removal without anesthesia at an outpatient facility. Methods The present was a prospective study involving 28 patients using external fixators who answered 3 questionnaires associated with the Visual Analogue and Numerical Pain Scale during different moments of the removal. Results The average pain prior to fixator removal was of 3.61. Shortly after the procedure, the patients reported that, on average, the most intense pain scored 6.68, and the least intense pain, 2.25 points. The average pain variation was of 4.43 points, and pain after 1 week scored, on average, 2.03 points. The recollection of the pain after fixator removal scored lower than the pain reported immediately after the procedure (mean value: 5.29). Most patients were middle-aged men, and 89.3% used circular external fixators. The main limb segment involved was the leg, and most patients (71.4%) had never used an external fixator before; they preferred the removal at an outpatient facility because it was faster (75%), and to avoid hospitalization (25%). The most intense pain was felt during the removal of Schanz pins (60.7%), being worse in the extremities of the limbs for 75% of the patients. An absolute majority of 85.7% was satisfied with the removal, and 82.1% stated that they would undergo the procedure again. Conclusion External fixator removal at an outpatient facility without anesthesia is a well-tolerated option for patients, with good levels of approval and satisfaction.
Resumo Objetivo Quantificar os níveis de satisfação e dor dos pacientes submetidos a retirada ambulatorial de fixadores externos sem anestesia. Métodos Estudo prospectivo envolvendo 28 pacientes usando fixadores externos submetidos a três questionários associados à Escala Visual Analógica e Numérica da dor durante diferentes etapas da retirada. Resultados A média de dor prévia à retirada foi de 3,61. Logo após o término do procedimento, encontramos média de 6,68 para a dor mais intensa, e de 2,25 para a dor menos intensa. A variação da dor média foi de 4,43, e a dor após uma semana teve média de 2,03. A lembrança dolorosa da retirada foi menor do que a dor referida imediatamente após a retirada (média de 5,29). A predominância no estudo foi de pacientes do sexo masculino de meia-idade, e 89,3% usavam fixador externo do tipo circular. O principal segmento dos membros envolvido foi a perna, e a maior parte dos pacientes não havia feito uso de fixador externo previamente (71,4%); eles optaram pela retirada ambulatorial por se tratar de opção mais rápida (75%), e para evitar internação hospitalar (25%). O momento de dor mais intensa ocorreu durante a retirada dos pinos de Schanz (60,7%), sendo pior nas extremidades dos membros para 75% dos entrevistados. Uma maioria absoluta de 85,7% mostrou-se satisfeita após a retirada, e 82,1% afirmaram que se submeteriam novamente ao procedimento. Conclusão A retirada ambulatorial de fixadores externos sem anestesia é uma opção bem tolerada pelos pacientes, tratando-se de um procedimento com bons níveis de aceitabilidade e satisfação.
