Integrative Surgery: Embedding Complementary and Nonpharmacologic Therapies into Surgical Pain Management Strategies

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Complementary Medicine
• Surgical Care

Background:

• Growing patient and clinician interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for pain.
• Nonpharmacologic modalities (e.g., cryotherapy, acupuncture, music, mind-body therapies) show promise for symptom control and quality of life.
• Increasing literature supports the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of CAM in the perioperative setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence for CAM in perioperative pain management.
• To highlight evidence-based protocols for implementing CAM in surgical practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of complementary therapies in perioperative pain.
• Analysis of evidence for feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy.
• Identification of protocols for clinical implementation.

Main Results:

• Nonpharmacologic modalities demonstrate effectiveness in managing acute and chronic pain.
• CAM therapies are feasible and acceptable in the perioperative period.
• Evidence supports integrating CAM into standard surgical pain management.

Conclusions:

• CAM therapies are valuable adjuncts to conventional perioperative pain management.
• Evidence-based protocols can facilitate the integration of CAM into surgical practice.
• CAM can improve patient outcomes and quality of life during surgical recovery.