Reducing Pain After Surgery

Baptist Health Lexington:Reducing Pain after Surgery

Anesthesiologist THOMAS YOUNG explains the importance of pain management for a patient’s well-being and recovery and describes the approach Baptist Health uses to manage pain.

Reducing Pain after Surgery Health Talks Transcript

Thomas Young, MD, Anesthesiologist

In the past, pain after surgery has been often undertreated, and patients’ questions about their pain have been unanswered. This, despite surveys that show patients coming for surgery, pain is one of their greatest concerns. We know that effective pain management is not simply about patient well-being, but contributes to better post-operative recovery. Simply put, good pain management leads to a quicker recovery, a shorter hospital stay, with less complications. Good post-operative pain management starts before the operation, continues through the operation and into the post-operative period.

John M. Edwards, Nurse Anesthetist

At Baptist Health Lexington, we’re able to use the latest technology to see things we haven’t been able to see before. With the use of ultrasound now, we have a real-time visual assistant that helps us quickly, safely and precisely guide our nerve block procedures. With the use of this technology, we are able to provide cutting-edge pain management to enhance your post-operative recovery.

Ashley Hausner, Registered Orthopedic Nurse

A team approach to pain management is key for our patients’ recovery after surgery, from physicians, to anesthesia providers, nursing, to rehab services, even pharmacy, we all collaborate to develop a plan of care for patients that is unique to them and their pain experience. We work together to ensure that pain is managed using a variety of therapies, resulting in an enhanced recovery process. Our team will follow the patient throughout hospitalization, and then even in some cases, beyond discharge.