Pain Control
In order to enhance recovery it is important that pain is as well controlled as possible.
Patients therefore usually have one of these two systems of pain control:
• An epidural infusion which allows a continuous supply of pain relieving medicine to be given. This is generally removed on the second or third day after the operation.
• A PCA (patient controlled analgesia) system allows self-administration of pain relief; this is usually removed on the second day after surgery.
There will also be other types of oral pain relieving medicines prescribed, which work in different ways and will be regularly administered, three or four times a day.
The enhanced recovery programme increases patients’ ability to sit out of bed and move around after surgery. This will reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or chest (pulmonary embolism), as well as the chance of chest infection or other infections. Sometimes there is temporary paralysis of the bowel (ileus) after surgery which results in nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating. This is also decreased with improved mobility.
Experience tells us that the pain people feels varies and that it is affected by personal experiences and each individual’s response to pain. It is also affected by mood from day to day. Hence each person’s need for pain relief needs careful assessment and reassessment in order to provide the best care. The pain team consists of specialist staff who are available to provide extra advice on pain management, when necessary.
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