Longnecker's Anesthesiology > Part 5. Postoperative Care of the Anesthesia Patient > Chapter 73. Postoperative Complications Edward A. Bittner, MD, PhD, Loreta Grecu, MD, and Edward George, MD

Complicated Acute Pain Management

"Despite increased knowledge of the mechanisms of acute pain and increased emphasis on pain management programs, postoperative pain continues to be undermanaged (Fig. 73–7).^55,56 Inadequate pain relief may have harmful physiologic and psychologic consequences resulting in increased postoperative morbidity. In addition, inadequate pain control delays PACU recovery and discharge home, and it may result in development of a chronic pain syndrome, all of which increase resource use and healthcare costs.^57,58..."