Evidence-Based Pain Management Strategies in Post-Operative Patients: Advancing SDG 3

Abstract

Pain management in post-operative patients is a critical determinant of surgical recovery and overall patient well-being. Despite significant advances in anesthesia and analgesia, a considerable proportion of patients continue to experience inadequate pain relief, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased risk of complications, and reduced quality of life. This paper reviews pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and multimodal strategies for post-operative pain management, highlighting their effectiveness, limitations, and clinical implications. Pharmacological approaches such as opioids, non-opioid analgesics, adjuvants, and regional anesthesia remain fundamental but are increasingly supplemented by non-pharmacological interventions including physiotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and complementary therapies. The adoption of multimodal analgesia and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols emerges as the most effective model, offering superior pain control, faster recovery, and reduced opioid dependency. However, challenges such as resource constraints, inconsistent implementation, and limited training persist. The findings underscore the need for a holistic, multidisciplinary, and patient-centered framework that integrates diverse strategies to optimize outcomes in post-operative care.