Pain Experiences and Coping Methods of Living Liver Donors Experiencing Chronic Pain After Surgery: Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Living liver donors are known to experience many physical symptoms such as pain in the postoperative period.

Aim: This qualitative study was conducted to examine pain experiences and coping methods of living liver donors experiencing postoperative chronic pain.

Methods: The study sample consisted of 16 living liver donors. Data were collected using a personal information form and a semi-structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed as number, mean, standard deviation, and percentage. Qualitative data were analyzed within the framework of thematic and content analysis methods.

Results: The mean postoperative chronic pain rate of living liver donors was 4.5. Eight of these people reported experiencing sudden, pinprick-like pain after liver transplantation. Living liver donors stated that the greatest factor that increased their pain was exertion/spontaneous movement. Half of them stated that the pain they experienced after transplantation had no impact on their daily life activities. Most of the living liver donors stated that the pain they experienced had no impact on their social lives; however, it caused sadness and psychological deterioration. The most preferred method to cope with pain was the use of medication.

Conclusions: Living liver donors experienced moderate postoperative chronic pain, and a significant proportion of them reported psychological symptoms related to the pain they experienced. A multidisciplinary pain team can help with pain management by providing training conducted in transplant centers.

Keywords: Liver transplantation; Living liver donor; Nurse; Postoperative chronic pain.