Post-operative pain management – Effective solutions from anesthesiologists
August 13, 2025
Post-operative pain management – Effective solutions from anesthesiologists
Introduction
Post-operative pain is a common problem, affecting 30-50% of patients in India (according to a study in Indian Journal of Anaesthesia, 2021). As an anesthesiologist with over 11 years of experience at Fortis and Apollo Delhi, I understand that pain management not only improves the quality of life but also promotes recovery. This article provides information on post-operative pain management, based on practical experience and knowledge from Harvard.
What is post-operative pain?
Post-operative pain occurs due to tissue damage during surgery, usually lasting 24-72 hours. If not controlled well, it can lead to complications such as infection or delayed wound healing. In India, lack of awareness about pain management is a major challenge.
Management methods
Pain relievers:
Opioid drugs (like morphine) for acute pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.
I often combine both for optimal effectiveness, with individualized doses.
Regional anesthesia: Nerve block or spinal anesthesia techniques provide local pain relief, reducing dependence on systemic medications.
Monitoring: Using a monitor to check heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, ensuring safe use of medications.
Practical experience
During my time at Fortis, I have successfully managed post-cardiac surgery pain in many patients by combining regional anesthesia and analgesics. This has helped them recover faster, reducing their hospital stay.
Tips
Follow the medication regimen prescribed by your doctor.
Report any signs of increased pain or side effects immediately.
Perform gentle exercises as instructed to improve circulation.
Conclusion
Post-operative pain management requires a collaborative effort between the doctor and the patient. Contact me at Apollo Delhi for a detailed consultation.
Introduction
Post-operative pain is a common problem, affecting 30-50% of patients in India (according to a study in Indian Journal of Anaesthesia, 2021). As an anesthesiologist with over 11 years of experience at Fortis and Apollo Delhi, I understand that pain management not only improves the quality of life but also promotes recovery. This article provides information on post-operative pain management, based on practical experience and knowledge from Harvard.
What is post-operative pain?
Post-operative pain occurs due to tissue damage during surgery, usually lasting 24-72 hours. If not controlled well, it can lead to complications such as infection or delayed wound healing. In India, lack of awareness about pain management is a major challenge.
Management methods
Pain relievers:
Opioid drugs (like morphine) for acute pain.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.
I often combine both for optimal effectiveness, with individualized doses.
Regional anesthesia: Nerve block or spinal anesthesia techniques provide local pain relief, reducing dependence on systemic medications.
Monitoring: Using a monitor to check heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, ensuring safe use of medications.
Practical experience
During my time at Fortis, I have successfully managed post-cardiac surgery pain in many patients by combining regional anesthesia and analgesics. This has helped them recover faster, reducing their hospital stay.
Tips
Follow the medication regimen prescribed by your doctor.
Report any signs of increased pain or side effects immediately.
Perform gentle exercises as instructed to improve circulation.
Conclusion
Post-operative pain management requires a collaborative effort between the doctor and the patient. Contact me at Apollo Delhi for a detailed consultation.
Author
Doctor Priya Kapoor
India
