EVALUATION OF MULTIMODALANALGESIA VERSUS OPIOID-BASED ANALGESIA IN POSTOPERATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT

Background: Optimal postoperative pain control remains a cornerstone of recovery following general surgical procedures. Conventional opioidbased regimens, though effective, are frequently associated with adverse effects such as sedation, nausea, and delayed mobilization. Multimodal analgesia, which combines agents acting through different pharmacological pathways, offers a promising alternative by enhancing analgesic efficacy and reducing opioid-related complications. Objectives: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of multimodal analgesia with traditional opioid-based analgesia in managing postoperative pain among patients undergoing general surgery. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on postoperative patients divided into two groups: one receiving multimodal analgesia comprising non-opioid agents and adjuvant analgesics, and the other managed with opioid-based therapy. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at multiple intervals, while opioid requirement, adverse effects, and recovery parameters such as ambulation time and hospital stay were recorded. Results: Patients receiving multimodal analgesia exhibited significantly lower VAS scores and reduced opioid consumption compared to the opioid-only group. The multimodal regimen also demonstrated fewer opioid-related side effects, earlier mobilization, and shorter hospital stays, indicating improved functional recovery. Conclusion: Multimodal analgesia is a safer and more effective strategy for postoperative pain control in general surgical patients. Its adoption can enhance patient satisfaction, minimize opioid dependence, and promote faster rehabilitation.