Analgesia for day surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To review current and potential analgesic techniques in day surgery, with particular regard to their pharmacology.


METHODS
Recent articles on analgesia for surgery and day surgery were retrieved from Index Medicus for 1988-1990. Pharmacokinetic data were collated from recent textbooks and articles.


RESULTS
The reviewed information is integrated with a pharmacological approach and personal experience with the use of postoperative analgesia.


CONCLUSIONS
Combination analgesia therapy is the best approach for postoperative analgesia for day surgery. The usefulness of preoperative blockade of the pain sensation which limits activation of the central pain pathway and decreases analgesic requirements, is also emphasised. Examples of measures for relief of mild, moderate and severe pain are given.
Baker
A B
AB
Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand.
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods; D000700:Analgesics; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006801:Humans; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009294:Narcotics