Postoperative pain therapy

General information

Pain after an operation is an all too natural reaction of the human body. During an operation, an anaesthetic ensures that the patient survives the operation without pain. Now, however, the time after the operation, the time of healing and recovery, should be as painless as possible so that the patient can recover from the strains both physically and mentally.

Modern post-operative pain therapy makes this possible. Freedom from pain is essential for a complete and good recovery. The pain-free patient is easier to mobilize and more easily able to participate in his own healing.

Goals

The goal of post- and perioperative pain therapy is to limit pain after surgery to a tolerable minimum or even to prevent it altogether. This is accompanied by the prevention of possible functional limitations that may result in post-traumatic pain. This also includes stress and chronicity. The side effects of postoperative pain therapy should also be limited to a minimum, which must be reasonable. Furthermore, specific characteristics of individual patient groups must be taken into account and the individual course of recovery must be supported.

Procedure and aspects of postoperative pain therapy

Strictly speaking, post-operative pain therapy begins before the operation, namely with the choice of the surgical procedure. So-called minimally invasive procedures often cause less pain and complications than conventional surgical techniques. The positioning of the patient is also important.

For example, a gentle position on the operating table can prevent later back or neck pain. On the other hand, an unfavorable position can provoke unnecessary pain. Before the operation, painkillers are administered, which make the patient largely pain-free for the first time after the operation.

Choice of anesthesia

The choice of the form of anesthesia is also important for the course of recovery after the operation. Regional anesthesia is used for minor surgical procedures. The local anesthetic is initially administered once close to the nerves.

It is then possible to place a catheter through which the local anesthetic can be applied post-operatively either continuously with a pump or once to combat pain. An example of this is the peridural catheter. Local anaesthetics are local anaesthetics which, in addition to pain relief, also ensure better blood circulation and thus better wound healing.

They are also very well tolerated. Side effects are rare and rather harmless. Circuit anaesthesia