Researchers from Fayoum University Hospital in Egypt examined 184 women who were scheduled to undergo breast cancer surgery. The study was published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.
Half of the patients were deficient in vitamin D, while the remaining participants had normal levels. All patients received the same treatment before, during, and after surgery.
During the operation, the patients were given pain medication containing fentanyl. After surgery, they were able to administer tramadol themselves using a button-controlled system, according to SciTechDaily.
More pain
According to the study, patients with low vitamin D levels more frequently experienced moderate pain during the first 24 hours after surgery. This group also used more opioid medication than patients with higher levels of the vitamin.
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Researchers also recorded more cases of nausea among patients with vitamin D deficiency. A small number of vomiting cases were observed only in this group.
Vitamin D supplements
The researchers emphasized that the study cannot prove that vitamin D directly causes the increased pain. The investigation was conducted at only one hospital, and other factors may also have influenced the results.
Nevertheless, the researchers believe that vitamin D may play a role in how the body manages pain after surgery.
They therefore suggest that vitamin D supplementation before surgery could be relevant for patients with low vitamin D levels.
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Sources: SciTechDaily and Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.
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