According to Peter G. Whang, MD, FACS, associate professor in the spine service at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., the consequences of mismanaging postoperative pain can be severe for patients, including:
• Prolonged physical and psychological suffering
• Longer recovery times and hospital stays
• Higher instances of complications
• More hospital readmissions.
Additionally, advancements in pain management treatments are furthering their use in ASCs. Pain management physicians are constantly refining old treatments to improve care and move away from narcotics, said Glenn M. Lipton, MD, of DISC Sports & Spine Center in Marina del Rey, Calif., in a Becker’s ASC Review article. Biologics, such as platelet rich plasma injections, are becoming recognized as effective options to traditional steroid therapies, he added.
Learn more about new technologies and techniques in pain management and improving patient satisfaction in outpatient surgery during a webinar hosted by Becker’s ASC Review and Pacira Pharmaceuticals on Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. CST.
The webinar features Paul Jeffords, MD, a spine surgeon at Resurgesn Spine Center and section chief, orthopedic surgery at Emory Saint Josephs Hospital in Atlanta.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
