Pain Management

All operations involve some degree of discomfort. The surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses caring for you believe that adequate pain relief is vital to your healing. Though we cannot eliminate the discomfort associated with surgery, we are committed to keeping you as comfortable as possible while maintaining safe medical practice.

The amount of discomfort following a surgical procedure depends on the type of procedure and your tolerance of pain, particularly if you have a history of chronic pain. The management of pain following surgery is an integral part of healing. Adequate pain management will decrease your risks for potential surgical complications and may shorten recovery time. If you have had previous surgery, you should share your experiences with your surgeon and anesthesiologist.

Surgeons and anesthesiologists will most commonly use a combination of techniques and medications to provide pain management. This approach improves overall pain management and decreases potential side effects.

Surgeons and anesthesiologists inject local anesthetics to numb or block the pain of surgery. Typically, injections are given after you have been sedated or anesthetized, much like how a dentist numbs a tooth before repair. The medication can provide relief for 12-24 hours.

Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medications such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Toradol are powerful pain relievers that decrease the inflammation associated with surgery. Although many of these medications are available over the counter, they are highly effective. Directions must be followed closely, as misuse can result in kidney damage and damage to the stomach lining.

Acetaminophen or Tylenol decrease pain by modifying how your brain interprets the incoming pain signals.

Ice packs or cold compresses can be applied to surgical areas to decrease swelling and blood flow and thus decrease pain. You may have an ice pack placed in the recovery room. Ice packs are most effective in the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Avoid using the ice pack for longer than 20 minutes and wait at least 20 minutes before reapplying.

Narcotics/Opioids decrease pain by changing how the body interprets pain signals. The medications are usually given through an IV or by mouth. They can only be given or prescribed by a licensed medical provider. Narcotics are powerful pain medications but come with significant potential side effects like nausea, itching, constipation, and drowsiness. In addition, narcotics are potentially dangerous and can lead to altered consciousness, inability to breathe, addiction, and death. Narcotic pain medications are more effective and safer when combined with other pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. They should be weaned or discontinued as soon as possible. Narcotic pain medications should not be used to decrease anxiety or as a sleeping aid.

Following surgery and admission to the hospital, your nurse will help you evaluate your pain management needs and provide pain medication as prescribed by your surgeon. You must share your pain management experience and any concerns with the nurse and your surgeon.

Most patients will require only a short course, if any, of narcotic pain medication, and many patients find the use of ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen alone provides excellent pain control.

Surgical planning includes a discussion in pain management. Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will discuss the plan with you before your procedure and upon discharge.

By law, narcotic prescriptions are submitted electronically directly to your pharmacy. Your pharmacy of choice must be added to your medical record at the time of your office visit so that you can obtain the prescription promptly.

If you are under the care of a Pain Management specialist, you must inform them of your surgery type and date as they will often be managing your pain management at home following your surgery.

While it is impossible to eliminate discomfort after surgery, please know that your surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurses share a commitment to minimizing your pain and will collaborate to ensure you have the best possible surgical outcome. This approach, coupled with providing complete information ahead of your surgery and complying with your postoperative instructions, will allow your pain to be managed to the lowest possible degree.