[Efficacy of an Acute Pain Service--a controlled comparative study of hospitals]

The efficacy of an acute pain service was prospectively evaluated on elective abdominal operations by comparing two surgical departments including a total of 498 patients. The patients of the clinic with an acute pain service reported less pain (at rest and in movement) pre- and postoperatively and received more analgetics. They had more appetite, lower sleep requirements and more independence. The patients' overall satisfaction was greater in the clinic with an acute pain service.