Anesthesiology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Intraoperative Methadone for the Prevention of Postoperative Pain: A Randomized, Double-blinded Clinical Trial in Cardiac Surgical Patients.
The intensity of pain after cardiac surgery is often underestimated, and inadequate pain control may be associated with poorer quality of recovery. The aim of this investigation was to examine the effect of intraoperative methadone on postoperative analgesic requirements, pain scores, patient satisfaction, and clinical recovery. ⋯ Intraoperative methadone administration resulted in reduced postoperative morphine requirements, improved pain scores, and enhanced patient-perceived quality of pain management.
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Epidural corticosteroid injections are a common treatment for radicular pain caused by intervertebral disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and other disorders. Although rare, catastrophic neurologic injuries, including stroke and spinal cord injury, have occurred with these injections. ⋯ Adherence to specific recommended practices when performing epidural corticosteroid injections should lead to a reduction in the incidence of neurologic injuries.