Postoperative analgesia: management of postoperative pain

ABSTRACT

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage. Postoperative pain is acute and usually self-limiting. Several recent clinical surveys have clearly shown that an unacceptably high proportion of patients continue to experience significant postoperative pain. This article aims to discuss the current management of postoperative pain, highlighting the deficiencies and suggesting feasible solutions. Practical considerations, with particular reference to the developing world are emphasized(AU)