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Common post-operation experience

Operation site pain and swelling
Sore throat or voice hoarseness
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Itch
Weakness or numbness if a nerve block was performed

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Managing pre and post-operative pain

There are many ways one can deal with pre and post-operative pain. Pain is subjective and each individual may have different coping mechanisms for managing their pain. Choose the ones which best suit you in managing pain. You can discuss the options with your Anaesthetist to enquire which treatments would suit you best.

Medical treatments in managing perioperative pain

Intravenous analgesia (pain killers)
Single-shot nerve block
Nerve block with a leave-in-catheter
Epidural/ Spinal
Local anaesthesia

Medical treatments in managing post-operative pain

Oral analgesia
Intravenous analgesia
Intramuscular analgesia (injection)
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
Nerve block

Non-medical techniques in managing post-operative pain

Plenty of rest
Deep-breathing exercise
Music therapy
Aromatherapy
Adjusting mindset and expectation
Distraction techniques

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What is a nerve block?

Simply put, a nerve block is blocking the nerve endings which activate the pain stimuli to your brain. There are two ways a nerve block can be administered.

Single-shot nerve block
Leave-in-catheter

In a single-shot nerve block, the anaesthetist infiltrates local analgesia (LA) to the targeted nerve by injecting a needle close to the nerve or group of nerves, with the aid of an ultrasound machine. After the LA has been administered, the needle is then removed immediately. For example, if you are going for a ACL reconstruction surgery, the anaesthetist may want to block your femoral nerve or the nerve in the adductor canal. By doing a single-shot nerve block, pain is controlled intra-operatively and post-operatively. Patients may require lesser painkillers for pain management subsequently.

In a leave-in-catheter, the anaesthetist threads in a thin catheter (tube) near the targeted nerve and leaves the catheter to continue giving medications post-operatively to block the pain. After surgery, this catheter may be connected to a pump which can continuously deliver local anaesthetic medication to reduce post-op pain. The catheter will be removed prior to discharge or when patient’s pain is more tolerable with oral pain killers.

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What to expect after a nerve block?

It is normal to feel numbness and weakness over the affected limb 6-24 hours after the procedure. Some people experience it for a longer duration of 2-3 days with eventual recovery.

Do not place any excessively hot or cold objects over the blocked area to avoid tissue injury.

Avoid driving or doing any activities involving the affected limb.

Inform your doctor if you experience rashes, redness and swelling over the blocked area or numbness persisting longer than 3 days.

When the block wears off, you may experience significant pain. Remember to take your oral pain killers regularly as prescribed.

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