title: Perioperative pain management.
abstract: The clinical anesthesia, general surgery, and gynecology literature addressing the pathophysiology and management strategies for perioperative pain were reviewed. There are few prospective, randomized studies from which to draw meaningful conclusions. Nevertheless, a theoretical construct has been developed which may help the gynecologic surgeon optimizing pain management. The era of managed care and shorter hospital stays has focused physicians and, in particular, surgeons on elements of patient care that can be addressed and improved. Reducing or eliminating postoperative pain without excessive sedation promotes rapid mobilization and return to self-care. Strategies for pain management can be adopted that reduce postoperative ileus and other adverse reactions to analgesics.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Francis Hospital, 34509 9th Avenue South, Suite 300, Federal Way, WA 98003, USA.
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Carpenter
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D001364:Awareness / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000517:prevention & control; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008124:Locomotion; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000502:physiology; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012648:Self Care
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics