Postoperative pain management

Abstract

Pain is a subjective phenomenon that is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience, associated with actual or potential tissue damage.

Acute pain is a “normal, predicted, physiological response to an adverse chemical, thermal or mechanical stimuli”.

Serious suffering that is under managed affects quality of life, recovery, cost of care, morbidity and mortality also. Adequate pain relief is an integral part of anaesthesia. Pain is the fifth vital sign. Pain management should be planned during preoperative assessment.

Patient specific approach (surgery, medical condition of patient, patient preferences, age) is required. Acute pain service has to be round the clock.