Perioperative management of pain

Unrelieved acute pain can produce undesirable psychological, physiological and socioeconomic consequences. The safe and effective delivery of pain relief during the perioperative period is the responsibility of practitioners involved in acute care and is achievable using existing drugs and techniques. Pain intensity should be measured routinely and regularly after surgery. Treatment regimens should be selected for each patient. The potential benefits of an analgesic regimen must be balanced against the potential risks. Each institution must provide adequate staffing levels and a safe environment to guarantee good pain relief and to prevent harm. The basis of high-quality control of pain is that clinicians listen to their patients and respond appropriately to reports of unrelieved pain.