Post surgical pain treatment

Pain medications

After surgery many types of pain medications can be used such as opiates or narcotics, local anesthetics, and anti-inflammatory medications. Depending on the procedure and clinical situation, a single medication or combination of medications may be used.

Also known as: Treatment - post surgery

Information

Question:

How is pain treated after surgery?

Answer:

There are many types of pain medicines. Depending on the surgery and the patient's health, a single medication or combination of medications may be used.

Studies show that patients who use pain medication (such as narcotics) early and aggressively after surgery have shorter hospital stays and fewer lingering or chronic pain problems later. They actually end up using fewer painkillers overall than those who avoid pain medication.

There is some evidence that extreme suffering from pain can weaken your body's immune system. The risk of addiction to pain medication is extremely low in patients using such medications for post-surgical pain.

For detailed information see: Pain medications

References

Max MB. Pain. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 28.

See also:

Review date:
August 10, 2009
Reviewed by:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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