The Role of Pain Relief Patches in Post-Surgery Recovery

Author:Kangdi 01-10-2023

Recovering from surgery can be a painful process. While oral pain medications are commonly prescribed, they can cause side effects like nausea, constipation and drowsiness. This is where pain relief patches can make a major difference in a patient's post-surgery experience.

Pain relief patches, also known as transdermal patches, are adhesive patches that are placed on the skin. They contain medications that are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. This allows the medication to bypass the digestive system and liver, reducing side effects.

One of the biggest benefits of using pain relief patches after surgery is that they provide steady pain relief for up to 24 hours from a single application. Patients don't have to remember to take oral medication multiple times a day, which can be difficult after major surgery. The patches also ensure a consistent dose of medication is delivered.

Common medications delivered by post-surgery pain relief patches include:

Lidocaine - A topical numbing agent that blocks nerve signals that cause pain.

Diclofenac - A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces inflammation.

Fentanyl - A potent opioid pain medication prescribed for moderate to severe pain.

Buprenorphine - A partial opioid agonist with a lower risk of dependence.

Clinical studies have shown pain relief patches to be highly effective for post-operative pain management. A randomized, double-blind study published in the Annals of Surgery found that diclofenac patches resulted in significantly decreased pain, lower opioid use and fewer opioid-related side effects compared to placebo.

Other benefits of pain relief patches include increased patient mobility and sleep quality. Since they stick to the skin, they are also easy to use for patients who have limited dexterity or difficulty swallowing after surgery.

Talk to your doctor about whether over-the-counter or prescription pain relief patches may be beneficial for managing your post-surgery pain. Using them along with other pain medications can help you remain comfortable and focus on recovering.