MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Post surgical pain treatment

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Post surgical pain treatment

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Information

Illustrations

Pain medications

Alternative Names Return to top

Treatment - post surgery

Information Return to top

Question:

How is pain treated after surgery?

Answer:

There are many types of pain medicines. Depending on the surgery and the patient's health, a single medication or combination of medications may be used.

Studies show that patients who use pain medication (such as narcotics) early and aggressively after surgery have shorter hospital stays and fewer chronic-pain problems later. They actually end up using fewer painkillers overall than those who avoid pain medication.

There is some evidence that extreme suffering from pain can weaken your body's immune system. The risk of addiction to pain medication has been shown to be extremely low in patients using such medications for post-operative pain.

For detailed information see: Pain medications

Update Date: 7/25/2007

Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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