Table 3.

Management of intraoperative pain

If the patient says she is in pain, believe her

Ask the surgeon to stop the surgery

If pain occurs before delivery, general anesthesia should be offered

Repeat boluses of fast acting opioids might relieve the pain

Hypnotic agents should be used cautiously and in conjunction with fast acting opioids

Offer general anesthesia

Surgical wound infiltration if pain is towards end of surgery

Document patient perceptions and all measures taken in the patient chart