An approach in which post-surgical pain is controlled by combining different medications and techniques. It aims for early recovery and reduced side effects.
Indication
- Acute pain control after all moderate and major surgical procedures
- Operations performed under enhanced recovery and early mobilization protocols
- Postoperative pain planning in patients with a history of chronic pain
- Patients in intensive care and on mechanical ventilation
- Postpartum pain management (after cesarean or vaginal delivery)
- Age-appropriate pain control in pediatric and geriatric patients
Preparation
- The patient is asked about previously used pain medications and their effectiveness
- Known drug allergies (NSAIDs, opioids) are identified
- Kidney and liver function are evaluated for dose adjustment
- The patient is taught how to report pain intensity (1-10 pain scale)
How it's performed
- A multimodal analgesia plan is created using paracetamol, NSAIDs, and opioids together when needed
- Regional techniques (epidural, nerve block, catheter) are applied in suitable patients
- Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device may be used so the patient can adjust their own dose
- Pain scores are measured at regular intervals and dose treatment is updated accordingly
- Side effects (nausea, constipation, sedation) are monitored and supportive medication is added if needed
- Non-pharmacological methods such as cold application and position change are also planned
Post-procedure
- Pain intensity is evaluated and recorded each shift
- Transition to oral pain medications before discharge
- Medications for home use are provided in writing; opioid use is recommended for a limited period
- The patient is informed to consult a physician if pain persists or worsens
- Patients at high risk of pain becoming chronic are referred to the pain clinic
Risks
- Nausea, constipation, sedation, and respiratory depression related to opioid use
- Gastric bleeding and impaired kidney function with NSAIDs
- Inadequate pain control leading to delayed mobilization and clot risk
- Dependence and tolerance with long-term opioid use
- Infection or limited mobility related to regional catheters
FAQ
Will the pain go away completely?
The goal is to reduce pain to a tolerable level; a completely pain-free process is not always realistic, but pain is reduced to a great extent.
Do opioids cause addiction?
Short-term use under physician supervision carries a low risk of dependence. It is important not to exceed the recommended dose and duration.
What should I do if pain medication doesn't work?
Inform your nurse or physician; the dose or drug combination can be updated, and a regional technique can be added if needed.
Do non-drug methods help?
Cold application, position change, breathing exercises, and early movement contribute to pain control and support drug therapy.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Regional anesthesia
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Regional anesthesia — numbing of a specific body region using a nerve block.
Patient-Controlled Analgesia
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) — a safe system in which the patient determines their own pain medication dose.
General Anesthesia
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
General anesthesia — an anesthetic method in which consciousness and pain sensation are completely eliminated for surgical procedures.
Spinal anesthesia
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Spinal anesthesia — a regional anesthesia technique applied through the lower back to numb the lower half of the body.
Epidural Anesthesia
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Epidural anesthesia — placement of a catheter into the epidural space in the lower back to provide long-lasting pain control.
Sedation
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Conscious sedation — an anesthesia method using calming and pain-relieving medications without complete loss of consciousness.
Local Anesthesia
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Local anesthesia — a superficial anesthesia method in which only a small area of skin where the procedure will be performed is numbed.
Preoperative anesthesia evaluation
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Preoperative anesthesia evaluation — anesthesia risk analysis and planning before surgery.