[The analgesic treatment of the surgical patient]

An effective treatment of postoperative pain can achieve a better postop course especially in high risk patients. Pain is unacceptable when it can be relieved and, beside all it causes vasoconstriction, hypertension, tachycardia, fluid retention and pulmonary hypoventilation. A correct use of both narcotic drugs and NSAIDs are sufficient in most cases. In high risk patients, mainly after thoracic and upper abdominal procedures, insertion of a peridural catheter for drug administration can be very useful. The authors discuss the therapeutic possibilities according mainly to their experience.