Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 1999
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of an analgesic epidural paste following lumbar decompressive surgery.
Pain control can often be improved by local (as opposed to systemic) application of analgesic and/or anesthetic medication. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single-dose epidural analgesic "paste" in the control of postoperative pain in patients who have undergone lumbar decompressive surgery. ⋯ Application of an analgesic paste directly to the epidural space during lumbar decompressive surgery significantly improves postoperative pain control, reduces prescribed analgesic drug consumption, and improves overall health perception for up to 6 weeks following surgery. The authors conclude that this postoperative pain control strategy is both effective and safe and may provide a new standard of pain management in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy or laminectomy.