IV PCA has been the standard for opioid therapy in acute pain management for hospitalized patients for over 20 years throughout the civilized world.  Here at Stony Brook University Medical Center, IV PCA has been used successfully for the last ten years and helps keep patients with acute, chronic and cancer pain well-managed during their hospital stay. 

The Acute Pain Service manages our patients with both patient safety and satisfaction in mind.  The Service will start patients who are immediately post-operative while in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) at a level to enhance comfort and avoid excessive sedation.  Patients are then sent to their rooms after receiving instruction and ensuring appropriate settings are made on the IV PCA machine.  The Service is available throughout the day and night to make adjustments to the IV PCA settings if any problems arise.

The Acute Pain Service is also available to to medical inpatients who are in pain and may benefit from IV PCA therapy.