Postoperative Pain Management of Cardiac Surgery

Abstract

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has emerged as a popular approach in recent years. Although the wound is smaller than that required for open heart surgery, postoperative pain control remains an important concern. Postoperative pain is a major contributor to the worsening of a patient’s general condition, respiratory and cardiovascular dysfunction, and chronic pain. Postoperative pain management is important to maintain patients’ quality of life. Nerve blocks of the chest wall have gained attention in recent times as a useful option for postoperative pain following cardiac surgery. These blocks may provide effective postoperative analgesia after cardiac surgery.