Intrathecal Opioids for Postoperative Pain
Abstract Intrathecal opioids are widely accepted and efficacious method for providing postoperative analgesia. We review the mechanism of action as well as the clinical use of intrathecal opioids. The side…
Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Abstract Providing continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB)—also called “perineural local anesthetic infusion”—involves the percutaneous insertion of a catheter directly adjacent to the peripheral nerve(s) supplying the surgical site, as opposed…
Pediatric Postoperative Pain
Abstract Children present unique challenges in the management of postoperative pain. Differences in brain development and drug metabolism influence dosing regimens. Assessment of pain is affected by a child’s ability…
Epidural Opioids for Postoperative Pain
Abstract Epidural opioids provide effective analgesia for postoperative pain. We discuss the use of both single-dose and continuous infusion for analgesia. In addition, the side effects of epidural opioids are…
Patient-Controlled Analgesia
Abstract Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a common, effective method for achieving postoperative pain control. Classically, opioids are self-administered intravenously using a programmable infusion pump. However, other agents and modes of…
Perioperative Nonopioid Infusions for Postoperative Pain Management
Abstract Opioids are the most commonly used medications for perioperative pain control. Many studies have evaluated the efficacy of several nonopioid infusions to decrease postoperative pain and minimize the use…
Preventive Analgesia
Abstract Postoperative pain remains a significant problem for patients and a challenge for anesthesiologists and acute pain medicine specialists. Despite advancements in the last two decades with increased use of…
Anatomy and Physiology of the Pain Signaling Process
Abstract For the survival and well-being of the organism, the detection of tissue-damaging or potentially tissue-damaging threats in the environment is essential. This critical function is served by the nociceptive…
Neurophysiologic Testing for Pain
Abstract Neurophysiologic studies are useful for the evaluation of patients with pain. This chapter describes electrical tests such as electromyography, nerve conduction testing, somatosensory evoked potential as well as quantitative…
Pain Assessment
Abstract Pain is an internal, subjective experience that cannot be measured by the use of physiologic markers or bioassays. The assessment of pain, therefore, relies largely (often exclusively) on the…
