Abstract
Background: Post-surgical pain remains a crucial clinical concern that can signify the impact of patient’s recovery, its satisfaction, and other surgical outcomes. Patient-Controlled Analgesia or PCA systems offers an imaginative approach by allowing patients to self-administered and pre-arranged doses of narcotic analgesics, providing it with greater autonomy and acceptance in pain management.
Aim: This study aims to evaluates the efficacy of PCA in post-operative settings, it is mainly focusing on its advantages, some associated risks, and best practice guidance.
Methods: A comprehensive literature study was conducted, circumscribe random controlled trials, grouped studies, systematic reviews, and some clinical guidelines from 2001 to 2023. Data were extracted from several databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and many other resources, which is mainly focusing on adult surgical patients and its outcomes related to relief in pain, safety, and special satisfaction.
Results: PCA systems are linked with enhanced patient’s satisfaction, more consistent in pain control, and it also decrease workload of nurses. However, challenges include narcotic-related side effects which includes nausea, balance calmness, and some respiratory depression, as well as risks tether to measure and control misuse or other programming errors.
Conclusion: PCA is a valuable manner for post- surgical pain control when unsegregated with appropriate education of patients, their safety protocols, and multifaceted oversight. Emphasis on personalized care and monitoring, which is very essential to maximize out benefits and minimize its risks.
Keywords: PCA, monitoring, surgical, operational.