How much pain will I have after my surgery?

Your surgeon can indicate the level of pain you'll experience after surgery based on a number of variables. Assessment of pain is in two parts; before the operation to make a pain relief plan and afterwards to see whether the plan is working. The pre-operative assessment includes pain control method (i.e., ON-Q System, narcotics or PCA), age, gender, weight, degree of obesity, pain tolerance, current drug intake or past history of drug-related problems and the length and depth of the surgical incision.

What are my treatment options for pain?

There are a variety of drugs used to treat pain. Drugs commonly used to treat post-operative pain are narcotics and local anesthetics. Unlike local anesthetics, narcotics can have numerous negative side effects. Other methods besides drugs may also be used for pain relief after surgery. These methods may also be used in combination with drugs. Examples are cold therapy, massage, nerve stimulation (TENS) and relaxation techniques. For more information please click here.

What are the negative side effects of narcotics?

Common narcotic sign effects include respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, urinary retention and a "cloudy" head. Other side effects can include physical and mental addiction, anxiety, excessive sedation, shortness of breath, skin rashes, dizziness and abdominal pain. Narcotics are systemic and affect the entire body, whereas local anesthetics are just directed into a specific part of the body. These negative side effects can interfere with normal activities, slow recovery and may even delay release from the hospital. For more information please click here.

What are the benefits of local anesthetics?

ON-Q provides pain relief right where you need it and will help you feel better faster with less pain. The potential benefits include less pain, quicker mobilization, reduced need for narcotics, reduced length of hospital stay and a faster return to normal daily activities. For more information please click here.

What is the ON-Q Post-Op Pain Relief System?

ON-Q is a small high-tech balloon that holds local anesthetic, a pain-numbing medication that automatically soaks the surgical site, for up to five days. The anesthetic is administered through a tiny specially-designed tube that's inserted by your surgeon into the incision site during your surgery. For more information please click here.

How does the ON-Q Post-Op Pain Relief System work?

Your surgeon will put the ON-Q system in place during surgery and the system will begin soaking your surgical site immediately. The ON-Q system does not require maintenance and fits into a small carrying case that can accompany you home for a faster and more comfortable recovery. To see an animation demonstrating how the ON-Q System works, please click here.

Can ON-Q be used for my surgery?

ON-Q can be used for many procedures within a variety of surgical specialties. To check to see if ON-Q can be used for your specific procedure, please click here.

How much will ON-Q cost me?

You cannot actually purchase ON-Q for yourself, it must be obtained by your physician. However, in many cases there will be no additional cost to you. Insurance coverage will vary by insurance carrier and surgical procedure. Please check with your physician to find out if ON-Q is covered. In the near future, we'll have a toll-free number in place so you can call us directly and we'll help you determine coverage.

What should I do if my Surgeon does not know about ON-Q?

Your Surgeon may or may not be familiar with the ON-Q System. Visit the Tell My Surgeon section of AskYourSurgeon.com and we'll send general product information about ON-Q directly to your physician. You may also choose to Print Information about ON-Q to take with you on your next appointment.

For further FAQ's specific to ON-Q, please e-mail questions@askyoursurgeon.com

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