Abstract

BAJO PESINI, R. et al. Management of postoperative pain in knee arthroplasty/arthroscopy in Spain: Lack of anaesthetic department support. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2010, vol.17, n.2, pp.89-98. ISSN 1134-8046.

Objectives: The correct management of acute postoperative pain is becoming increasingly important for the progression of the patient during their hospital stay. Taking advantage of a change in the infrastructure of our complex, and being aware of the regular analgesic control required by certain patients, in this study we attempt to highlight the importance of this analgesic management being directed by the Anaesthetic Department. Material and methods: This study was performed in the Orthopaedic Surgical Unit of the Badajoz (Spain) University Hospital Complex, lasted 2 months, and included two working groups consisting of Group A (arthroplasty) with 33 patients and Group B (arthroscopy) with 15 patients. We collected the relevant data for subsequent analysis (descriptive observational study), as well a survey carried out on the physicians of the Traumatology Unit and nursing staff, which collected a series of items to establish an opinion on the concepts to study. Results: Two fundamental deficiencies were found. Firstly, the levels of pain perceived by the patients were higher than those desired, and secondly, the analgesic techniques that were being practiced were not the most adequate and were not multimodal. Conclusions: According to the results we consider the support of the Anaesthetic Department as fundamental in the management of postoperative pain, since the final satisfaction of the patient would improve greatly. Although they were not objectives of the study, the days in hospital and the appearance of morbidity associated with the surgery would surely be reduced based on the existing literature. Furthermore, the surveys carried out showed a lack of protocols, clinical attitudes and training that the physicians and nurses demand.

Keywords : Pain; Postoperative pain; Pain measurement; Pain threshold; Postoperative procedures.

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