Association between postoperative pain management and long-term patient outcomes

Background: Postoperative pain management is critical for short-term recovery and long-term outcomes. Insufficient acute pain control can lead to persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP), delayed recovery, and diminished quality of life. Therefore, understanding the impact of various pain management strategies on long-term outcomes is paramount. Current Concepts: Multimodal and regional anesthesia play critical roles in mitigating the risks associated with poorly managed postoperative pain, expediting recovery, and improving patient satisfaction. By integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, multimodal analgesia has been demonstrated to effectively reduce opioid-related side effects. Regional anesthesia techniques, including nerve blocks and neuraxial analgesia, contribute to decreased incidence of chronic pain and facilitate early mobilization. The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol, which prioritizes patient-centered care and emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, improves recovery outcomes by incorporating evidence-based interventions that reduce pain and postoperative complications. Furthermore, insights derived from open datasets in perioperative medicine have the potential to refine pain management protocols and develop personalized therapeutic strategies. Lastly, preoperative patient education and psychological preparation are increasingly acknowledged as crucial components for optimizing postoperative outcomes. Discussion and Conclusion: Despite these advances, challenges remain in ensuring the consistent application of evidence-based pain management techniques. Collaboration among anesthesiologists, surgeons, and pain specialists is essential for developing integrated strategies. Addressing systemic barriers, such as resource limitations and variability in clinical practice, remains critical. Discussions on ERAS in South Korea have highlighted structural factors influencing its adoption. Personalized, evidence-based approaches within multidisciplinary frameworks can enhance recovery, reduce chronic pain, and improve quality of life. Future research should prioritize bridging existing gaps and optimizing care delivery.