IV administration of opioids has not been shown to be superior compared with oral administration for postoperative analgesia. Oral administration of opioids is generally considered superior for the management of pain postoperatively in patients who can tolerate the oral route. Although postoperative pain is ceaseless for the first 24 hours, long-acting oral opioids are generally not recommended due to a need for dose titration and lack of evidence supporting superiority when compared with short-acting oral opioids. Opioid administration prior to operation is not recommended, as studies have shown no clear benefit.
For more on pain management in the immediate postoperative period, read here.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: K. Gage Parr. Fast Five Quiz: Do You Know the Latest Postoperative Pain Management Guidelines? - Medscape - Mar 15, 2016.
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