Which combination would constitute a postoperative multimodal analgesia strategy?

• A. Acetaminophen alone
• B. Opioids alone
• C. Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, local anesthetics, gabapentinoids, and/or regional techniques
• D. NSAIDs only

Answer: (C)

Multimodal analgesia combines several strategies that act on different pain pathways to provide better relief and reduce opioid needs after surgery. In a postoperative plan, using acetaminophen, NSAIDs, local anesthetics, gabapentinoids, and/or regional techniques covers multiple targets: acetaminophen modulates central pain signals; NSAIDs reduce peripheral inflammation and nociceptor sensitization; local anesthetics or regional blocks interrupt nerve conduction to the surgical site; gabapentinoids help dampen central sensitization and neuropathic components. Together, these approaches produce additive or synergistic analgesia, improve comfort, and often lower the risk of opioid-related side effects.

Relying on a single modality—such as acetaminophen alone, opioids alone, NSAIDs alone, or NSAIDs only—typically provides less effective pain control and may increase the likelihood of side effects or insufficient analgesia after surgery.