Introduction

The management of postoperative pain is one of the principal missions of the pain management specialists.

Characteristics of postoperative pain

Postoperative pain can be easily distinguished from other forms of pain. A few peculiar characteristics of postoperative pain include:

• Constant, surgically related pain, often described as aching in nature, near the point of surgery.

• Acute exacerbation of pain added to the basal pain, due to activities such as coughing, getting out of bed, physiotherapy and dressing changes.

• Progressive improvement in the pain over a short period of time.

Techniques of Postoperative Pain Management

The goal for postoperative pain management is to reduce or eliminate pain and discomfort with a minimum of side effects. Postoperative pain relief must reflect the needs of each patient. Many factors need to be taken into account while developing this kind of a pain relief program, such as clinical and patient-related factors.

Importance of postoperative pain management

Poor management of postoperative pain has been linked to a reduced quality of life. It is also known to interfere with physical therapy. The consequences of inadequate postoperative pain management also have negative impact on the safety and satisfaction of the patient concerned.

Such consequences not only imply reduced patient satisfaction but also severe economic burden that is reflected in the extended length of hospital stays for the treatment of uncontrolled postoperative pain.