not enough patients were recruited

After one-stage hybrid arrhythmia ablation surgery there are possible side effects like acute and chronic pain. There is a lot of research surrounding these pains but not specifically after one-stage hybrid arrhythmia ablation surgery. The investigators want to research factors that may be associated with the absence of chronic pain after hybrid ablation include ketamine, peroperative opioids, loco-regional blocks, neuraxial blocks, wound infiltration, postoperative patient-controlled analgesia. The presence of corticosteroids or NSAIDS, will also be evaluated. Furthermore, non-adaptable factors such as genetics complicate the onset of chronic post-operative pain. Taking existing knowledge in this field into account, incidence risk as well as acute pain duration and intensity and their effects on chronic pain will become the primary focus of this study.

The investigators will contact all patients who had a one-stage hybrid arrhythmia ablation surgery at UZ Brussels. Participants will be sent a questionnaire with a consent form in and a survey asking about their pain 3 months postop and their current pain management therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• he/she must understand and read the Dutch, French or English language
• be able to digitally agree to participate in the study
• had to have a one stage hybrid procedure at least three months ago
• have an ASA score of I, II or III.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with previously known chronic pain syndromes, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome are excluded.
• Subjects with previous known chronic conditions such as diabetes neuropathy, rheumatoid arthri-tis, … are also excluded.
• Subject are excluded if they underwent a surgical treatment within the observed period.
• Patients are excluded when under treatment with chemotherapy/radiotherapy
• Pregnant patients are also excluded.
• Patients with known psychological conditions such as depression are excluded.