Optimal perioperative pain management is important not only for patient satisfaction but also for hemodynamic stability and effective restitution. Despite being the principal element of anaesthesia, analgesia delivery has long been based on non-objective surrogate parameters such as blood pressure and heart rate. This may lead to hemodynamic inconsistency, poor restitution and patient dissatisfaction, which are some of the observed challenges. In that context, there has long been a search for a monitor which can guide the meticulous administration of analgesics. Recently, a nociception level monitor (NOL) based on an advanced software algorithm was developed using multiple physiological parameters. It offers an objective number (NOL Index) which relates to the level of intra-operative pain. NOL technology has been validated and found superior to existing pain indicators in peer-reviewed publications. With the availability of NOL monitors, a meticulous adjustment in the administration of opioids became a possibility. Therefore, the investigators are planning a randomised study to investigate if opioid consumption can be reduced and if immediate and long-term postoperative complications can be minimised.
