Patient controlled analgesia (PCA) has become the mainstay of acute postoperative pain management. The traditional technique of intravenous PCA is associated with both advantages and disadvantages. A novel fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system has been developed to safely and easily manage postoperative pain. The self-contained, preprogrammed, needle-free unit is applied to the patient’s skin, and the patient is immediately able to control the administered dose of opioid. This device offers an advance in patient safety and patient satisfaction.