The German guidelines for the treatment of acute perioperative and posttraumatic pain from 1999 have been revised during the last three years and will be published at the end of 2006 as a guideline on S3-level. 20 medical societies evaluate with the instruments of the centre of evidence based medicine of Oxford (CEBM) the available randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and existing guidelines and consent in final Delphi rounds the detailed recommendations (grades A - C). Comprehensive information of the patients (pain level, therapeutic possibilities), measurement and documentation of pain, interdisciplinary management of therapy and complete consideration of all operative, pain therapeutic, medicinal, psychologic, physiotherapeutical and physical procedures are central aims of the actual guideline.