Postoperative pain management strategies: the role of multimodal anesthesia

Abstract

Multimodal anesthesia (MMA) has established itself as a promising approach for postoperative pain management, offering significant benefits over traditional techniques based exclusively on opioids. This article reviews the most recent evidence, highlighting that MMA not only improves pain control but also reduces the need for opioids, minimizes adverse effects, and accelerates functional recovery of patients. The analysis of studies published between 2013 and 2023 reveals that the combination of different classes of analgesics and techniques, such as regional blocks and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), provides better clinical outcomes in surgical procedures, especially major ones. Despite its benefits, the implementation of MMA faces challenges, such as the need for specialized training and the customization of strategies for different patients. Even so, constant technological innovation and the development of new analgesic agents indicate a promising future for the approach. Personalizing pain management and integrating advanced tools such as artificial intelligence and monitoring technologies can further enhance outcomes, making MMA a standard practice in perioperative care