Pain management in abdominal surgery

Abstract

Abdominal surgery has undergone major changes during the last two decades with a general shift from open, invasive surgery to closed minimally invasive surgery. Accordingly, pain management strategies have also changed, especially with the introduction of ultrasound-guided abdominal wall blocks. Despite laparoscopic abdominal surgery classified as minimal, pain can be quite significant and needs to be addressed appropriately. This narrative review focuses on adequate pain strategies for various types of surgery. The respective techniques are described and examples of specific pain management strategies given. Advantages and disadvantages of techniques are discussed. This review can serve as a sort of empirical guideline and orientation for the reader to develop their own strategy as well as bringing surgeons up-to-date with the latest anesthetic techniques. Pain is not less or less relevant in minimally invasive surgery. New hallmarks of a multimodal pain strategy are abdominal wall blocks, either as single shot or continuously. Minor open surgery is best performed under a combination of loco-regional blocks and continuous sedation. Abdominal wall blocks, NSAIDs, and short-acting opioids given by nurses or as PCA present the best multimodal pain strategy in abdominal surgery. Epidural analgesia and spinal anesthesia have become second-line options or are reserved for specific patient morbidities or surgical requirements.