Enhancing Postoperative Pain Control: The Role of Multimodal Analgesia

Niragh Sikdar¹, Arkit Ghoshal¹, Anchit Chauhan², Ginelle J. Cayme³, Daniel Brabi⁴

Keywords: Multimodal analgesia protocols, opioids, postoperative pain, pharmacological agents, review

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i2.0125

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i2.0125

Publish Date: 22-09-2025

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Pages: 245 - 251

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Downloads: 2

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Author Affiliation:

1 Clinical researcher, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
2 Clinical researcher, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
3 Clinical researcher, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA
4 Clinical researcher, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana

Abstract

Purpose of review: This narrative review aims to assess the effectiveness of multimodal analgesia protocols (MAPs) in managing postoperative pain and reducing opioid consumption. The review evaluates the safety profile of MAPs, identifies the most effective components for different surgical contexts, and discusses their broader applicability in clinical practice. Given the growing concerns around opioid use, the focus is on alternative strategies that can offer comparable or superior pain relief with fewer side effects.

Recent findings: Recent studies have demonstrated that MAPs, which combine various pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods, significantly reduce postoperative pain intensity and opioid use. These protocols show superiority over traditional opioid-centric approaches without increasing adverse events like nausea and respiratory depression. Incorporating regional anesthesia, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and nerve blocks has enhanced recovery, minimized complications, and improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, MAPs can be tailored to specific surgical settings, with combinations of medications like ketamine, acetaminophen, and dexamethasone proving effective in different clinical scenarios.

Summary: Multimodal analgesia offers a viable approach to optimize postoperative pain management, reducing opioid-related risks and improving recovery outcomes. By utilizing the synergistic effects of different pain relief modalities, MAPs can achieve better pain control while minimizing opioid consumption. The review underscores the need for the broader adoption of MAPs and further research to refine these protocols, aiming for long-term improvements in surgical care and patient experiences

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