Inadequate Postoperative Pain Management is a Major Issue in Hospitals in Germany
Effective postoperative pain management is a key component of the
medical care of every surgical patient. Inadequate treatment of postoperative
pain in hospital is still a common complaint by patients in Germany. Improper
pain management, while being unethical, can lead to increased mortality or
morbidity. During any surgical procedure, patients have some level of pain. It
may not be intolerable to them, but for those who are undergoing a major
surgery, pain can be severely uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities
and social interactions. It has been estimated that up to one third of all
surgical procedures will cause pain to occur, especially those performed in the
upper body. These may include breast reduction, breast augmentation,
rhinoplasty, lumpectomies, and hysterectomies.
Postoperative
pain is often the result of the trauma caused by the surgical procedure
itself. The trauma may be caused by a misalignment of vertebrae, or by the use
of anesthesia. The success or failure of post-operative pain management depends
on the type of surgery performed, the extent of the injury and the type of
sedative, narcotic, muscle relaxant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory medication
used, and any other medications taken. The most commonly prescribed medications
during the period immediately after a surgical procedure are anti-anxiety
medications such as benzodiazepines (atypical and non-atypical), muscle
relaxants (pentasa, tramadol, nifedipine, guazepam, and lofexidene),
antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine, anafranil, and fluoxetine), opiates,
nitrous oxide, and vasoconstrictors.
Medications are only part of post-operative pain management. Many
surgeons recommend physical therapy and counseling to help patients deal with
the stress of the recovery process. Other medications, such as antihistamines,
anti-depressants, antidepressants, and anxiolytics are also used. The goal of
most post-operative pain management is to help the patient cope with the pain.
The most effective medication and therapy combination are usually not known
until after the surgery is completed.
There is no shortage of drugs that are used to manage
post-operative pain. Most of these drugs should only be taken as prescribed and
should not exceed the recommended dosages. They should also not be taken in
large doses or when not prescribed by a physician. They are not as safe as many
people believe. Many patients experience mild pain or discomfort that will
subside on its own after a certain amount of time. It may continue to be
present for a period of days or weeks. In cases of more severe injuries,
patients may experience constant pain or discomfort that interferes with their
ability to function daily.
Medication for postoperative pain management must be tailored to
the patient's individual needs. The patient should receive the maximum benefit
from the medications for the shortest possible period of time, while avoiding
harmful side effects and adverse reactions to these medications. As with any
type of medication, it is always best to consult with a physician before using
any of the different pain medications available. Many doctors prescribe a
variety of different drugs to treat post-operative pain, depending on the
nature and severity of the injury. Some patients require different medications
than others. Depending on the specific injury, the type of treatment required
will vary from patient to patient.
There are a number of pain medications on the market today. Some
pain medications are more widely used than others. Commonly used pain
medications include acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, niacin, and calcium
channel blocker calcium, which helps to block the sodium channels to the brain
that cause pain. Other pain medications are less widely used but have had some
success in relieving pain in a number of cases. Pain relievers, like Motrin and
Tylenol, are used by most patients in addition to pain medications. Many
physicians also prefer to combine the use of an anti-anxiety medication with
one of the pain medications to ease symptoms of post-operative pain.
The use of pain medications is a common part of post-operative
pain management. They can sometimes be very effective at relieving pain,
however it is important to discuss all the possible side effects of the
medications with your doctor.
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