The Management of Postoperative Pain

Abstract

Even with advances in surgical techniques, the prevention and minimization of postoperative pain continue to be a topic of clinical discussion and research. Although pain is a subjective state, multimodal interventions have been developed that allow clinicians to tailor pain-management therapies to the individual patient. The implementation of pain assessments, analgesics, and nonpharmacologic approaches along with pharmacologic therapies optimizes pain management, and it can also contribute to reductions in opioid dependence, adverse effects, and long-term complications. As part of the healthcare team, pharmacists should offer recommendations on analgesic options, participate in opioid-stewardship programs, and assist in the formulation of postoperative pain protocols.