Lancet Series 2019: Postoperative Pain Management and Opioids
2019
This Lancet series examines the rising epidemic of prescription opioid misuse, abuse, and overdose-related deaths around the world, closely linked to inappropriate opioid prescribing after surgery. 10 percent of patients who have surgery will have chronic postsurgical pain, which typically begins as acute pain that is difficult to control, but transitions into a persistent pain that is unresponsive to opioids. Clinicians have an important role to play in recognizing the differences between acute and chronic pain and preventing overprescribing of opioids. Research has illuminated the causes and effects of opioid-induced tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia, which has led to safer, opioid-sparing medication regimens, and even non-pharmacological interventions for pain management.
Series papers include:
Lancet Series 2019: Postoperative Pain Management and Opioids
Source:
Postoperative Pain Management and Opioids. The Lancet 2019. https://www.thelancet.com/series/Postoperative-pain-management-and-opioids.