Management of acute pain

Acute pain relief remains suboptimal for many patients. Effective postoperative analgesic strategies require a holistic approach, promoting timely recovery and integration with other pathways like physiotherapy and nutrition. Poor acute postoperative pain management can limit mobility, leading to complications that increase morbidity and mortality. Thus, timely and effective acute pain management is essential. Acute Pain Service (APSs) play a role in managing complex cases and specific invasive analgesic methods. However, initial pain management usually falls to the admitting surgical doctor. This article reviews key considerations for safe, effective acute pain management and highlights recent updates in consensus guidelines and evidence from the past three years.