What is the goal of postoperative pain management?

The goal of postoperative pain management primarily focuses on minimizing discomfort and promoting recovery. After surgery, patients often experience varying degrees of pain, which can inhibit their mobility, lead to complications, and delay recovery. Effective pain management is essential for allowing patients to engage in necessary postoperative activities such as deep breathing, physical therapy, and early mobilization, all of which are crucial for healing.

By addressing pain effectively, healthcare providers can improve overall patient outcomes. This includes reducing the risk of developing chronic pain conditions and minimizing the use of opioids, which can be associated with their own complications. While other factors such as patient satisfaction and early discharge may be important components of postoperative care, they are ultimately secondary to the primary aim of ensuring patient comfort and facilitating an effective recovery process.