Current management of pediatric postoperative pain.

Pain is a common complaint in children after surgery. Four out of five children require analgesia even after minor surgery, and after more extensive surgery, significant postoperative pain may last for weeks. Severe pain during, and after surgery may aggravate long-lasting negative effects to the body and mind. In order to prevent harmful effects, all children should be provided with effective analgesia. Pain management should be safe and easy to administer. Postoperative pain management in children has improved substantially during the last 5 years. Recent trials indicate that children may undergo major surgery with minimal untoward effects when effective proactive pain management is provided. This review will focus on new clinical strategies on pain management in children. Since most pediatric surgery is performed as a day-case or short-stay basic recommendations for parental guidance and pain management after discharge are also presented.