Postoperative patient-controlled analgesia in the pediatric population: a literature review

An exciting revolution in pediatric pain control has evolved in anesthesia during the past 2 decades. The creative use of systemic analgesic techniques has dramatically improved the quality of postoperative pain management. The postsurgical pediatric population is reaping the benefits of such advancements in acute pain management, as there is an increasing use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). The goal of PCA is to provide safe and effective postoperative pain control by achieving a continuous level of analgesia in the body, along with the opportunity for Nursbolus doses as requested by the patient. The aim of this analgesic technique is optimal pain relief and a high level of patient and parent satisfaction. This review of the literature addresses safety issues, indications, contraindications, complications, and dosing regimens related to pediatric PCA. Recommendations for continuous pulse oximetry and sedation monitoring, along with individualized dosage requirements, are presented to decrease the incidence of complications. Overall, the literature shows that PCA provides adequate pain control and high levels of satisfaction for the pediatric postsurgical population and their families.