[Postoperative analgesia in France. A study of the prescribing doctor's approach]

Every year nearly 4 million surgical procedures are carried out in France: about two thirds of the patients will suffer moderate to severe postoperative pain. Beside the obvious philosophical reasons, purely medical arguments also favour good quality postoperative pain relief. In this country, unlike the situation prevailing in many other countries, anaesthetists are in charge of postoperative pain relief. The survey reported here was carried out by questioning the usual prescribers and it reports their attitudes and practices. The results would show a rather good situation: anaesthetists seem to have an interest in the subject, and the approach looks very satisfactory but these points remain to be proved in practice. There is considerable interest in some drugs, but others are in disgrace for unclear reasons. New methods of administration are not very familiar. We may conclude from this study that a greater awareness of the problem is desirable, that general and specific scientific information should be made available, that clearly defined treatment plans should be established and evaluated regularly, and that financial resources must be envisaged.