POSTOPERATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT IN CHILDREN UNDERGOING UROLOGY PROCEDURES

Abstract

Postoperative care is most commonly shared between health professionals from different disciplines, who should be suitable qualified and aware of the general principles of pain management in children. Initiation of postoperative analgesia is the obligation of every pediatric anesthetist. In consultation with parents/ tutors and other members of the team, one must plan and organize postoperative analgesia prior to surgery. Children should not be discharged from Postoperative Care Units before adequate pain control is established and ongoing analgesia is available. The most severe pain occurs within 24-72 hours after surgery and may persist several days, even weeks. Analgesia can be given per hours in the early postoperative period and then as required. It is also very important that, prior to discharge from the hospital, patients and their parents/tutors should be given advice on how to assess pain and administrate analgesia at home.