Box 3.
may be hampered by poor eyesight and hearing. and by cognitive impairment. The presence of multiple comorbidities and poly pharmacy may complicate management. Changes in both phar macokinetics and pharmacodynamics mean that the elderly may respond to analgesics in an unpredictable manner. Doses of opioids should be reduced a where possible, paracetamol and local anaesthesia should be used to minimize the need for drugs such as morphine that may cause drowsiness and confusion. Uncontrolled pain and nausea and vomiting are common causes for delayed discharge or readmission after day case surgery. Careful choice of analgesic techniques is essential ideally as part of an agreed protocol. Patients should be d charged with appropriate analgesics with written instructions about how and when to use them. For complex procedures such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. a telephone call to the patient's home on the evening of surgery can resolve any issues relating to analgesia and minimize the risk of readmission Patients with substance abuse disorder (SAD) can be the most challenging to manage in the perioperative period, Stereo- typical beliefs can hinder efforts to manage pain and create a confrontational situation. Patients with opioid-related SAD will show tolerance to opioid analgesia and have been shown to h lower pain thresholds. Complaints of pain should not be dis missed as simply drug-seeking behaviour. An open and frank discussion with these patients. reassuring that pain complaints will be taken seriously whilst expecting cooperation will defuse many difficult situations. Utilizing non-opioid analgesics and local anaesthetic techniques can be very helpful. but it essential that patients receive opioids to prevent withdrawal. Patients who are involved in a maintenance programme can be administered the usual dose of methadone to prevent drawal, but methadone is unsuitable for managing acute pai There should be close communication with the general practitioner and local community drugs team prior to discharge