Medical Student Research Forum Posters

Split thickness skin grafts (STSG) are required for severe burns and pain is the most common cause of distress within the first year of the injury. Postoperative pain is challenging due to the painful surgical procedure performed and the dressing changes required. Poor pain control is concerning, as it has been associated with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and long-term alterations in pain processing. Currently, opioids are widely used to manage postoperative pain. While adequate pain control is essential, high dose and/ or prolonged use of opioids can also cause adverse effects to delay recovery, including sedation and tolerance. Neuraxial anesthesia administered intraoperatively is one approach to decrease postoperative pain and opioid use.