M A Y 2 0 2 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 5 7
T
here's no silver-bullet, one-size-fits-all replacement for
opioids in the management of post-op pain, so clini-
cians are experimenting with various drugs and tech-
niques, both old and new. In the process, they're find-
ing an expanded toolkit of pain management modali-
ties to reduce pain more effectively by mixing and matching tools
for maximum effectiveness for individual patients and specific
procedures. Here are some recent and emerging approaches to
reducing both pain and opioid use:
• IV acetaminophen. Its onset is very predictable and quick, act-
New Thinking in Post-Op Pain Management
To move on from opioids, providers are
tailoring varied regimens based on patients and procedures.
Joe Paone | Senior Associate Editor
• MONSTER BLOCKS Researchers are looking at ways to extend the analgesic effect of regional anesthesia for a full day or
longer.
