# Psychoeducation Reduces Postoperative Analgesic Consumption and Mobilization Period After Spine Surgery: A Controlled Clinical Trial

## TL;DR

Teaching patients about spine surgery before the procedure reduces pain medication use and speeds up recovery.

## Contribution

This study shows preoperative psychoeducation reduces analgesic use and improves mobilization after spine surgery.

## Key findings

- Psychoeducation reduced preoperative anxiety and postoperative analgesic consumption.
- Patients in the psychoeducation group mobilized earlier, especially in the PLIF group.
- SFQ scores strongly correlated with analgesic use (p < 0.01).

## Abstract

Background: Spine surgeries present challenges for patients, including postoperative pain and difficulties with mobilization. Studies indicate that fear and anxiety prolong recovery; multidisciplinary care, including psychoeducation, which informs patients about their condition, addresses emotional challenges, and teaches coping strategies have benefits on recovery. Objectives: This study investigated whether preoperative psychoeducation improves outcomes in spinal surgery by reducing postoperative analgesic use and accelerating mobilization, with the hypothesis that it decreases medication needs and shortens recovery time. Methods: Data of 100 patients operated on spinal disease were analysed: 50 of them underwent microscope-assisted discectomy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and 50 were treated with transpedicular posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) for monosegmental instability. Each group was subdivided into a psychoeducation group (N = 25) and a control group (N = 25). All patients completed the Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ). Postoperative analgesic use and time to mobilization were analysed. Results: Patients receiving psychoeducation in both groups reported lower preoperative anxiety, required fewer analgesics, and, in the PLIF group, achieved earlier mobilization. A strong correlation was found between SFQ scores and analgesic consumption (p < 0.01). Discussion: Preoperative psychoeducation reduced anxiety, decreased postoperative analgesic use, and enhanced mobilization, suggesting clinical and economic benefits if integrated into standard care.