SYNERGISM BETWEEN ANALGESICS

The concept and value of 'multimodal' or 'balanced' analgesia in the t reatment of postoperative pain is reviewed. Based upon the relatively few multimodal studies compared to unimodal studies, it is concluded t hat a combination of analgesics will improve pain relief including mov ement-associated pain. Since analgesic combination therapy is rational , further studies are needed to evaluate the optimal combination for e ach surgical procedure, as well as to assess the risk of side effects and need for surveillance in large-scale studies.