This text contains the edited presentations of the 39th Annual Postgraduate Course in Anaesthesiology, February 1994. The chapters reflect new data concepts within the general framework of pain research and basic science, and clinical topics in pain management. The purpose of the textbook is to serve as a vehicle to bring many of the latest concepts in anaesthesiology to those who did not attend the conference, within a short time of the formal presentation. Each chapter is a brief by sharply focused glimpse of the current interests in anaesthesia. This volume, as well as past and future volumes, reflects the rapid and continuing evolution of anaesthestiology in the late-20th century.