New concepts in acute pain therapy

Pain that accompanies surgical procedures remains prevalent and is one of the aspects of anesthesia that generates the greatest concern for patients about to undergo surgery. Effective pain control in the perioperative period is not only humane, but can have a positive long-term impact on recovery. This article reviews the relevant neurobiology of pain, the basis for advocating an aggressive preemptive multimodal approach to acute pain therapy throughout the entire perioperative period. A growing body of outcome studies demonstrates the long-term efficacy of this approach.