Adequate pain relief improves outcome by reducing complications and facilitating early recovery 11-14 . Routine pain assessment and organized provision of simple analgesic techniques will optimize postoperative analgesia 11 . This review is available in French, Russian, and Arabic 15 . Its application depends upon on-site availability of these agents. Regional anesthesia provides excellent operating conditions and postoperative pain relief.
Peripheral blockade requires less supervision postoperatively.
Patients with PLP may suffer from an exacerbation of their pain during regional anesthesia, but this problem subsides as the block wears off 14 . If this problem occurs during an operation on an amputee, it does not usually respond to opioids, but lignocaine, diazepam, or thiopentone have been successful 17 . Rehabilitation starts from day 1 with passive movement and active mobilization on crutches as soon as possible. In the case of lower limb amputation, restoration of function requires a prosthesis to regain mobility and make crutches unnecessary 18 . All too often PLP prohibits use of a prosthesis and creates a vicious circle of depression, isolation, and continued suffering.