Effects of smoking on venous cannulation pain: a randomized prospective trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It has been demonstrated that smoking increases pain perception; however the effect of smoking on perception of pain during venous cannulation is not known. The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not smoking has an effect on pain perception due to peripheral venous cannulation. METHODS: 220 patients scheduled to have elective surgery were enrolled in the study and were divided into two groups (Group S and C, n = 110 for each) according to their smoking habits. Numerical rating scale was introduced to the patients and then peripheral venous cannulation at the dorsum of the hand was made with a 20 G intracath. Pain perception of the patients was scored by subsequent numerical rating scale questioning. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of the groups were identical. Numerical rating scale scores in Group S and C were 3.31 ± 1.56 and 1.65 ± 1.23, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pain perception due to peripheral venous cannulation is higher in smokers. Future studies on pain treatment should consider the smoking habits of patients.