The postoperative period summary.

Following considerable discussion of this area, it was noted that meta-analysis of pain management has been done. However, this does not include analysis of subgroups. It was the consensus that considerable data are missing on hard numbers and there is little information regarding the duration of therapy. In subspecialty groups such as thoracic and orthopedic patients, a local epidural is good in postoperative use only with less hypotension, hypertension, nausea, vomiting and ileus, earlier mobilization, and decreased pulmonary complications. Operatively, opioids plus analgesia are believed to be better than opioids alone, and those are better than local anesthesia. The skill and experience of both physicians and nurse teams are considered important. Additionally, pain was a determining factor in patients who go to the ICU.