Postoperative pain relief

Abstract

Postoperative pain increases morbidity and mortality, delays mobilization and prolongs hospital stay. After thoracic or upper abdominal surgery, deep breathing and coughing are inhibited, functional residual capacity decreases and small airways close. Sputum retention leads to resorption collapse of alveoli (atelectasis) especially in dependent lung regions. Myocardial ischaemia in patients with ischaemic heart disease is increased in the presence of pain. Pain also increases the metabolic rate and oxygen demand.