Pain Intensity

Spinal surgery is generally followed by severe postoperative pain, and poor pain control may cause adverse outcomes such as cardiovascular events, neurocognitive disorders, and chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP). In previous studies, perioperative use of dexmedetomidine or esketamine is each associated with improved analgesia after surgery. Recent studies suggest that combined use of dexmedetomidine and esketamine may produce synergetic effects in improving analgesia. This trial is designed to test the hypothesis that perioperative combined use of dexmedetomidine and esketamine may reduce CPSP in patients after spinal surgery.

Spinal surgery is generally followed by severe postoperative pain, and poor pain control may cause adverse outcomes such as cardiovascular events, neurocognitive disorders, and chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP). In previous studies, perioperative use of dexmedetomidine or esketamine is each associated with improved analgesia after surgery. Recent studies suggest that combined use of dexmedetomidine and esketamine may produce synergetic effects in improving analgesia. This trial is designed to test the hypothesis that perioperative combined use of dexmedetomidine and esketamine may improve analgesia and reduce moderate-to-severe pain in patients after spinal surgery.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are part the multimodal strategy in pain management after surgery. However, major concerns are raised in cardiac surgery given the potential side effects of NSAID with more bleeding and acute kidney injury. The investigators hypothesized that NSAID are safe in the early postoperative course after cardiac surgery with respect to contraindication.

The purpose of this study is to investigate if different emotional states could influence mechanical pain thresholds and other pain - related variables such as pain tolerance, pain intensity and pain - related negative affect in individuals with chronic pain.

Ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval (OR) is a short, but oftentimes painful procedure, during which the follicles are punctured trans-vaginally to obtain oocytes for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Conscious sedation is the most commonly used method of pain relief, yet several studies have shown that more than half of women report moderate to high levels of pain and up to 7% of women report extreme or unacceptable levels of pain during OR. Adjuvant virtual reality (VR) therapy has been explored to reduce psychological stress during dental procedures, burn wound care, colonoscopy, as well as other minor procedures. Hence, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of VR technology during IVF treatment, particularly with respect to tolerability, patient satisfaction, and pain reduction during oocyte retrieval.