Preoperative Pain Can be Controlled in Many Different Ways
Many patients experience pain while waiting to have a surgical procedure. Reducing this pain and providing comfort to the patient is important before surgery. Anesthesiologists are a key in the treatment of this kind of pain. The anesthesiologist is trained in the methods of pain control and also helps to educate other medical staff on provide pain management.
Preoperative Pain
Preoperative pain can come from many diseases or conditions. In a 2004 article by The American Society of Anesthesiologists preoperative pain was defined as pain that is present in a surgical patient because of a preexisting disease, trauma, or a previous surgical procedure. This pain can be mild or it can be more severe.
Guidelines for Treating Pain
Guidelines have been established by the American Society of Anesthesiologists to treat the different varieties of pain that patients may suffer. These guidelines ensure that patients:
• Will receive effective and safe acute pain management.
• Will have a reduced risk of adverse outcomes.
• Will maintain functional abilities.
• Physical and psychological well being is maintained.
• Quality of life is enhanced.
Education of Hospital Staff
Hospital staff should be regularly educated about the proper way to treat preoperative pain and what medications should be used in combination to provide more effective relief. The American Society of Anesthesiologists is charged with the task of making sure hospitals and medical staff is well trained on the subject of pain management. Hospital staff is even trained on other ways to help patients control pain. For example, using relaxation and breathing techniques can help control some types of pain.
Education of Medical Staff
Hospital staff should be regularly educated about the proper way to treat preoperative pain and what medications should be used in combination to provide more effective relief. The American Society of Anesthesiologists is charged with the task of making sure hospitals and medical staff are well trained on the subject of pain management. Hospital staff is even trained on other ways to help patients control pain. For example, using relaxation and breathing techniques can help control some types of pain.
Pain Relief Methods
In a 2004 article by The American Society of Anesthesiologists pain relief methods are described as:
• Analgesic medications
• Epidural analgesia
• Anesthesia
The physician or anesthesiologist that is treating the patient will frequently reassess the patient's pain. If the patient is conscious or semi-conscious the anesthesiologist will watch closely for any facial signs or body language that might indicate pain. The physician or anesthesiologist may also continue to ask the patient if they are comfortable and adjust the dosage as needed. Keeping the patient as comfortable as possible and administering safe and effective pain relief is the ultimate goal.
Treating Different Patients
The pediatric and geriatric populations may require some additional care in regards to pain management. Because of the age or health condition of the subject, pain relief will have to be modified. Patients that cannot verbalize pain such as young infants, children or Alzheimer's patients can be a challenge to treat. In addition, young patients tend to be more emotional when being removed from a parent and this can add additional difficulty with providing pain relief.
