POSTOPERATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT

Distressing postoperative pain remains a prevalent problem. Poorly tre ated pain contributes to patient suffering and may prevent rapid recov ery and rehabilitation. An understanding and application of the basic principles of pain management can provide adequate analgesia for the m ajority of postoperative patients. More advanced methods of pain contr ol can allow excellent relief for virtually all patients but may requi re the presence of a dedicated pain management service. This article r eviews the principles and practice of modern postoperative pain manage ment.