This descriptive observational study aims to examine the relationship between preoperative fear of postoperative pain and postoperative pain intensity in patients undergoing cholecystectomy.

Postoperative pain is one of the most common and significant clinical problems following surgical procedures. Psychological factors such as anxiety and fear of pain are known to influence pain perception and recovery outcomes. Preoperative fear related to postoperative pain may increase perceived pain intensity and negatively affect the postoperative recovery process.

The study will be conducted in the general surgery clinics of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 106 adult patients scheduled for cholecystectomy will be included. Preoperative fear of postoperative pain will be assessed one day before surgery using the Postoperative Pain Fear Scale. Postoperative pain intensity will be evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale at the 4th, 12th, and 24th hours after surgery.

The findings of this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between preoperative pain-related fear and postoperative pain severity, and to provide evidence to improve perioperative nursing care and pain management strategies.

Cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide for the management of cholelithiasis and acute or chronic cholecystitis. Although laparoscopic techniques have significantly reduced surgical trauma and enhanced recovery, postoperative pain remains a prevalent and clinically relevant problem. Inadequate pain control may impair early mobilization, respiratory function, wound healing, and overall recovery, potentially increasing morbidity and healthcare costs.

Postoperative pain is a multidimensional phenomenon influenced by both physiological and psychological factors. Among psychological determinants, preoperative fear of postoperative pain has been identified as a potential predictor of increased pain perception and adverse recovery outcomes. Fear-related cognitive processes may amplify central pain processing mechanisms, heighten pain sensitivity, and contribute to increased analgesic requirements. Despite growing evidence regarding the impact of psychological variables on surgical outcomes, the relationship between preoperative fear of postoperative pain and early postoperative pain intensity in patients undergoing cholecystectomy has not been sufficiently clarified.

This prospective descriptive observational study aims to investigate the association between preoperative fear of postoperative pain and postoperative pain intensity in adult patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy. The study will be conducted in the general surgery clinics of a tertiary care hospital. A total of 106 patients meeting the eligibility criteria will be consecutively recruited.

Preoperative fear of postoperative pain will be assessed one day prior to surgery using the Postoperative Pain Fear Scale. Postoperative pain intensity will be measured using the Numeric Rating Scale at the 4th, 12th, and 24th postoperative hours. Sociodemographic and clinical variables will also be collected to control for potential confounding factors.

Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize patient characteristics. The relationship between preoperative fear scores and postoperative pain intensity will be analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. A p-value of <0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the predictive role of preoperative pain-related fear on postoperative pain outcomes and to inform the development of targeted perioperative nursing interventions aimed at optimizing pain management and enhancing recovery

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 years and older Scheduled for elective cholecystectomy Able to speak and understand Turkish Conscious and able to complete questionnaires independently Voluntarily agree to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of anxiolytic medication Diagnosed psychiatric disorder that may affect pain perception Cognitive impairment preventing completion of study forms Emergency cholecystectomy Development of major postoperative complications requiring intensive care

The study population comprises adult patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy in the general surgery clinics of a tertiary care hospital. Consecutive eligible patients who meet the predefined inclusion criteria will be prospectively enrolled during the study period. The population represents surgical patients diagnosed primarily with cholelithiasis or cholecystitis.