Pain Control During Surgery
Before surgery
Pain management begins before your procedure starts. Your anesthesiaThe use of medications to temporarily block pain, sensations, and awareness during procedures and surgery. There are many different types of anesthesia that a CRNA can provide. professional, such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)Sometimes called a CRNA, nurse anesthesiologist, or nurse anesthetist, these are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who specialize in administering anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. , will review your medical history, current medications, allergies, and any previous experience with anesthesia (positive or negative). They will use this information to create an anesthesia plan just for you.
Sometimes, medications will be given before surgery to help reduce anxiety, prevent nausea, or help with pain after surgery is done.
During surgery
Your anesthesia professional will stay with you for the entire surgery. During this time, they will monitor your:
- Body’s use of oxygen
- Breathing rate and depth
- Temperature
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
Your anesthesia professional will monitor how you react to the anesthesia and give you more or less medication based on how sedatedSometimes called conscious sedation or twilight anesthesia, this is the use of medications to help you feel relaxed and calm, and sometimes fall asleep during your medical procedure. you are. Even when you are asleep under general anesthesiaA state of unconsciousness that is caused by medications administered by an anesthesia professional. This form of anesthesia is often used for procedures that would be too painful or uncomfortable to perform while the patient is only sedated or awake., your body can still respond when it feels pain. Changes in your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, or movement can tell the anesthesia professional whether adjustments to your anesthesia medication are needed.
Your anesthesia professional’s goal is to keep you safe and at the right level of anesthesia throughout the surgery.
Surgical pain control options
Many anesthesia professionals use different types of pain relief options that prevent and manage pain in different ways. Using different types of pain relief provides more comfort and helps prevent pain before it gets too severe. This may include:
- Local anesthesiaA type of anesthesia that numbs a smaller area of the body with numbing medication. to numb the nerves
- Non-opioidDrugs that are typically used to control and manage pain. Examples include codeine, morphine, and fentanyl. medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatoryThe body’s immune response to infections, toxins, and injury. Inflammation may cause pain, redness, swelling, and heat in the affected area. drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®)
- Regional anesthesiaA type of anesthesia that blocks pain in a larger area of the body by numbing a group of nerves and involves techniques such as nerve blocks, epidurals, and spinals. , such as a nerve block or an epiduralAn injection of numbing medication into the epidural space that blocks pian signals from specific nerves. Epidurals can be given as a single injection, or with a catheter (tubing) that stays in place to continuously give medication.
- Opioid medications when appropriate
- Other medications that reduce pain
Regional anesthesia and nerve blocks
For some procedures, your anesthesia professional may numb a specific part of your body with a nerve block, spinalSometimes called a “spinal block,” this is an injection of numbing medication into the spinal fluid that numbs the body from the waist down. , or epidural. These can be given on their own or combined with other types of anesthesia. They can also be done before the procedure and provide pain control for up to 24 hours after your surgery (depending on the type and location of the nerve block). Learn about Local and Regional Anesthesia.
Some examples include:
- C-sectionSometimes called a C-Section, this is a surgery where incisions (cuts) are made first into the abdomen, and then the layers of the uterus. From there, the baby and the umbilical cord and placenta are removed. , also known as a cesarean section or cesarean delivery. Learn about Anesthesia Options during Labor.
- Wrist or hand surgery
- Lower abdominalSometimes called the “belly” or “core,” this is the part of the body below the chest and above the pelvis. surgery, such as herniaWhen an organ, like the intestines, or fat squeezes through a weak spot in the muscle. Often occurs in the abdomen or the groin. repair
- Knee or hip replacement
- Breast surgery
After surgery
Pain management does not stop when your procedure is finished. Before you wake up, your anesthesia professional often gives you medications to help with your pain in the hours after surgery. They will also discuss your pain management plan with the post-operative team so your comfort can continue to be monitored after surgery.
The goal of pain management is not to remove every sensation, but to keep your pain at a level that allows you to breathe deeply, move safely, and recover comfortably. Learn about why pain happens and the different types of pain, Pain Medications, and Drug-Free Pain Control.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation for any specific anesthesia technique, drug, or treatment. Users should consult a qualified medical professional before making any decisions regarding anesthesia care. For complete terms, see our Terms of Use.
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