Abstract:

Pain is a universal experience but unique for every individual. The pathological processes that end in a surgical intervention are some of the main pain sources, often approached and managed suboptimally or without proper organization. The use of clinical history and physical examination to identify known risk factors to postoperative acute and chronic pain are fundamental to elaborate an effective pain management plan. According to recommendations, the outcome improves with pharmacological and non-pharmacological multimodal analgesia, including celecoxib before surgery, peripheral regional anesthesia or neuraxial techniques, management of postoperative pain with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, gabapentin or pregabalin; implementation of cognitive - behavioral therapy. Monitoring and periodic assessments associated with coordination and planning of protocols and guidelines in every clinical center, have been useful to evaluate a heterogeneous and unpredictable group, in order to establish the patients’ response to analgesics and their adverse effects.

Key words: Postoperative pain management; acute postoperative pain; chronic postoperative pain; analgesia; multimodal therapy; neuropathic pain; pain perception