Beyond the incision: exploring acute pain management strategies following cardiac surgeries

Abstract

This narrative review explores the importance of multimodal pain management options for postoperative cardiac surgery, focusing on maximizing pain alleviation while minimizing opioids usage and adverse consequences. It examines various pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques, including opioids, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, gabapentinoids, alpha-2 agonists, local anesthetics, and ketamine, to maximize pain relief and improve patient outcomes. The review emphasizes the significance of a multimodal approach, combining different agents for better pain relief and patient outcomes.

Non-pharmacological treatments, such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, distraction techniques, massage therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), also play a role in pain management, promoting comprehensive patient comfort and well-being. These methods are helpful additions to existing pharmaceutical therapies and promote comprehensive patient comfort.

In conclusion, multimodal pain management techniques are crucial in postoperative cardiac surgery, as they provide optimal pain relief, increased patient satisfaction, and overall improvement in outcomes. Healthcare professionals must continuously evaluate, modify, and improve pain management strategies to provide the highest level of care to patients in this high-stakes environment.

Keywords: Postoperative pain Management, Multimodal Analgesia, Opioids, Cardiac Surgery, Acute Pain, Patient-centered care, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Non-pharmacological Pain Relief.

Citation:Zahid MA, Kumar V, Saddique F, Khan B, Saleh M, Ahmed S. Beyond the incision: exploring acute pain management strategies following cardiac surgeries. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(2):358−371; DOI:10.35975/apic.v28i2.2408

Received: January 12, 2024; Revised: January 29, 2024; Accepted: February 10, 2024