Medically reviewed by Dr. Kerstin Kolodzie, MD, PhD, MAS, August 21, 2024.

Post-Op Pain

If you are having surgery, you may know that an anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia and monitor you during the surgery. But you may not know that this medical doctor is also a pain specialist who works with you and your surgeon to make sure you’re comfortable as you recover from your surgery.

After a surgery, such as a hip or knee replacement, a heart operation, or a procedure on any other part of your body, you most likely will experience postoperative pain. Together with your surgeon, your anesthesiologist will manage this pain using a variety of medications and nonmedication techniques.

Uncontrolled postoperative pain can increase the risk for certain postoperative complications, such as blood clots or pneumonia, that can result from immobility and shallow breathing caused by the pain. If the pain isn’t treated, it can sometimes turn into chronic pain—pain that lasts longer than three months—and become more challenging to manage.

Uncontrolled postoperative pain can increase the risk for certain postoperative complications, such as blood clots or pneumonia, that can result from immobility and shallow breathing caused by the pain.

How will the anesthesiologist manage my pain?

In the first hours and days of your recovery, you may be given a combination of pain medications through an IV or as pills. Non-opioid prescription and over-the-counter medicines that are often used for postoperative pain include ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin) and acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol). Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also help reduce inflammation and swelling.

You may also be given an opioid medication—a powerful drug that blocks receptors on nerve fibers that transmit pain from organs or limbs to the brain. This is sometimes administered with a pump that allows you to give yourself a dose of medication when you need it. The pump is programmed so you can’t give yourself too much medication.

For certain surgeries, your anesthesiologist might also suggest the use of regional anesthesia, which has been shown to improve postoperative pain control. Regional anesthesia uses a local anesthetic—a numbing medication—that is delivered close to a nerve through an injection. Numbing the nerves to the area of your surgery will reduce the amount of pain you feel.

Nonmedication alternatives, such as heating pads, ice packs, or relaxation techniques that help with pain or swelling, can be used instead of or along with medications.

Your anesthesiologist will work with you and others involved in your care to assess your needs and determine the specific medication or technique to use to optimize your postoperative pain control based on your type of surgery, pain level, health status, and medical history.

Anesthesiologists work with your surgical team to evaluate, monitor, and supervise your care before, during, and after surgery—delivering anesthesia, leading the Anesthesia Care Team, and ensuring your optimal safety.