[The problem of acute pain in postoperative period]

The problem of postoperative pain remains actual despite the existence of a variety of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical methods of anesthesia. Acute postoperative pain is an essential component of the surgical stress syndrome. Opioid analgetics (Buprenorfin, Nubain, Tramal, Promedol, Morphine) take the leading position among other types of analgetics. Present-day individual approach to administration of analgetics is still imperfect. The use of a standard dose of analgetics appears to be inadequate in a number of patients. The increase of opioids dose may lead to adverse reactions. In view of this it is valid to use nonsteroid antinflammatory medicines (Ketorolac). The choice of a proper dose of an analgetic is critically important in achieving adequate anesthesia. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) or "analgesia on demand" is an alternative to administration of analgetics. The major advantage of PCA is the opportunity to achieve the rate of analgesia, according to individual demand of a patient. Besides, PCA allows to reach the desired effect much faster and to maintain the stable plasma level of an analgetic. 2-year experience of the PCA use in more than 200 patients of the National Research Centre for Surgery ICU has been analysed. The authors advocate use of PCA in clinical practice.