It is believed that the introduction of APS has led to an increase in the appropriate use of specialized analgesic techniques, such as IV-PCA opioid and epidural and perineural analgesia. Implementation of these techniques may represent a true advance in improving analgesia and patient well-being as well as in reducing postoperative morbidity. In addition, an APS may reduce “analgesic gaps” that can occur during the transition from IV-PCA or epidural analgesia to oral analgesic therapy. The benefits in increased patient satisfaction and improved outcome after surgery will far outweigh the costs of running an acute pain service that raises standards of pain management throughout the hospital.