Update on systemic postoperative analgesia in children.

Abstract

Postoperative pain management in children should begin preoperatively with age specific information about the surgical procedure, the pain that might be expected, pain assessment and pain treatment. The child and parents need to be informed, in a honest way, about the following: • Pain is common after surgery. • The importance to treat postoperative pain. • Pain is an individual and subjective experience. • The intensity of pain varies during the day and night. • Pain will decrease with time.