1 2 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6
We asked a panel of anesthesia providers and surgeons
how they're managing post-op pain. Here's a summary
of their responses.
In regard to opioids, which statement most accu-
rately reflects your attitude?
• They're still the best way to manage pain, and when
called for, they're my first choice. 9.2%
• I'm open to reducing opioid use, but I don't hesitate to
use them when patients face real pain. 42.6%
• I'm actively trying to reduce opioid use by my patients,
but they still have a role to play in mitigating pain.
38.9%
• I consider opioids only as a last resort. 9.2%
My usual approach to post-operative pain is
_______ .
• a combination agent (Percocet or Vicodin, for example)
25.0%
• I routinely instruct patients to take acetaminophen
and an NSAID around the clock and use opioids only
as needed. 26.9%
• I routinely pre-treat patients with some analgesics
before surgery. 21.2%
• When possible, I give pre-operative and post-operative
acetaminophen, NSAIDs and a gabapentinoid drug.
26.9%
With regard to regional anesthesia/local anesthe-
sia _______ .
• I prefer to do our cases under regional
anesthesia whenever possible. 67.9%
• I routinely employ regional anesthesia and send
patients home with continuous
catheters and elastomeric pumps. 17.0%
• I find regional anesthesia too burdensome. 3.8%
• I prefer infiltration of local anesthetics to peripheral
blocks. 11.3%
With respect to local anesthetic
infiltration _______ .
• I use standard bupivacaine 80.0%
• I use Exparel for infiltration 10.0%
How Do You Manage
Post-op Pain?
READER SURVEY
