Analgesic Consumption

Postoperative pain remains a significant clinical challenge that directly affects patient recovery, functional outcomes, and overall quality of care. Inadequate pain control in the early postoperative period is associated with delayed mobilization, increased risk of complications, prolonged hospital stay, and the development of chronic pain. The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) represents a critical phase in which pain is actively assessed and managed, and analgesic consumption during this period serves as an objective indicator of analgesic requirements and effectiveness of perioperative pain strategies. This prospective observational study aims to identify patient-related, surgical, and anesthesia-related factors influencing analgesic consumption in the early postoperative period among adult patients admitted to the PACU following elective surgery. No additional interventions will be performed, and all perioperative management will follow routine clinical practice. Data will be collected prospectively from clinical records, anesthesia charts, and PACU monitoring forms. The primary outcome is total analgesic consumption during the PACU stay. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity assessed using a standardized pain scale at PACU admission and discharge, requirement for rescue analgesia, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and length of stay in the PACU. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the identification of patients at higher risk for increased analgesic requirements and to support the development of individualized pain management strategies, ultimately improving perioperative care quality and patient outcomes.

This prospective observational study evaluates postoperative pain intensity and analgesic consumption in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) under different anesthesia techniques. Patients receive either general anesthesia with peripheral nerve block, spinal anesthesia with peripheral nerve block, spinal anesthesia alone, or general anesthesia with an epidural catheter. Pain scores (NRS), analgesic use, adverse effects, patient satisfaction, and the need for therapeutic interventions are assessed during the first 48 hours after surgery. The study aims to identify differences in postoperative pain control and factors associated with hypotension and other complications.