The role of patient-controlled analgesia in postoperative pain management

Patient-controlled Analgesia (PCA) permits patients to treat their postoperative pain by activating a pump to deliver doses of intravenous narcotic. This technique was developed in response to the undertreatment of postoperative pain with conventional intramuscular therapy. PCA allows patients to balance pain control with sedation, and permits nurses to implement other aspects of patient care once pain is controlled. Concerns regarding PCA include mechanical errors, overdosage, and inadequate patient instruction. Careful patient screening and preoperative teaching are essential. While data regarding cost-effectiveness are limited, increasing use and patient satisfaction could make PCA the standard of care in the future.