When I started as a fellow at Pacific Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery about 6 months ago, it was after working almost 10 years as a general OB/GYN. I was relatively familiar with transvaginal ultrasound, but primarily to assess for early pregnancy and its complications. Now as a fellow, I’ve learned to routinely do a
“Comfortably Numb”: Our Multi-Modal Approach to Postoperative Pain
At Pacific Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery in Gig Harbor, WA, we understand that recovery after endometriosis surgery is about more than just healing incisions—it’s about feeling supported and cared for every step of the way. While the title of this blog borrows from a famous Pink Floyd song, we want to be clear: surgical recovery does involve some discomfort. Our goal is not to make you entirely “numb,” but to minimize pain as much as possible so you can focus on healing and getting back to your life. That’s where our multi-modal pain management plan comes in.
Why a Multi-Modal Pain Plan Works Better
Instead of relying on a single medication, our approach combines several strategies that work together to control pain from different angles. This helps reduce side effects, shorten recovery time, and allow you to return to your daily activities sooner.
Our typical plan includes:
- Acetaminophen – Relieves baseline pain and can be safely combined with other medications.
- NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Sprix) – Reduce inflammation and swelling. We recommend taking an NSAID on a set schedule for the first 7–10 days after surgery, unless there’s a medical reason not to.
- Gabapentin – Helps manage nerve-related discomfort.
- Tramadol – A lower-strength narcotic alternative, used sparingly.
- On-Q Bupivacaine Pump – A small, portable device that continuously delivers numbing medicine directly to the surgical site for up to five days after surgery.
Minimizing Narcotics for a Smoother Recovery
Most of our patients stop needing narcotic medication within the first week after surgery—often sooner. The combination of anti-inflammatory medicines, nerve pain control, and the On-Q pump means you can heal without the grogginess, constipation, or dependence risks associated with traditional opioid use.
The On-Q Pain Pump: Comfort You Can Carry
The On-Q bupivacaine pump is an important part of our recovery toolkit. It continuously delivers numbing medication to the pelvis for several days, targeting pain directly at the source. Most patients have their pump removed on day five after surgery.
You can watch our step-by-step instructions here:
Supporting Your Recovery in Gig Harbor and Beyond
Every patient’s recovery is unique, and we are prepared for that. During your preoperative appointment, we’ll walk you through exactly which medications to take and when, and we remain available for any questions that arise during your recovery period. While we can’t eliminate all discomfort, we can help keep pain to a manageable level so you can focus on other aspects of healing. With our extensive experience in surgical recovery and commitment to personalized care, Pacific Endometriosis and Pelvic Surgery is here to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
