Articles: postoperative-pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Patient-controlled versus conventional analgesia for postsurgical pain relief in adolescents.
We performed a randomized nonblinded, cross-over comparison of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with conventional intramuscular analgesia in 10 adolescents (13-18 years) undergoing spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis. PCA use afforded more effective pain control (p < 0.02) on a 10-point linear pain intensity scale than did intramuscular injections, while causing an equal amount of sedation and no side effects. PCA appears to be a promising technique for providing postoperative pain relief in this group of adolescents. Further studies are needed to define its role for other pediatric conditions.
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In order to evaluate postoperative pain treatment following thoracic surgery, 214 medical records of patients who were operated during 1986-1988 were examined. Nurses' comments concerning pain and the amounts of analgesics given during the 2 postoperative days were recorded. The 150 patients who were still alive in December 1989 were sent a postal questionnaire which asked about the pain and the efficacy of pain relief they had received after their operation. ⋯ During the first postoperative week little pain was experienced by 60% of the patients, considerable pain by 35% and excruciating pain by 5% of the patients being interviewed. The postoperative pain relief was rated as good in 60% of the answers, satisfactory in 38% and poor in 2%. Persistent post-thoracotomy pain lasting for more than 6 months was reported by 44% of the patients, of whom 66% had received treatment for the pain.
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A case of respiratory depression which occurred following administration of epidural meperidine during Caesarean section is described. Epidural meperidine, 75 mg (10 mg.ml-1) was given after delivery of the infant to provide postoperative analgesia. Oxygen desaturation (SaO2 90%) and a decrease in respiratory rate (4.min-1) were noted 30 min after epidural meperidine was administered. ⋯ Vascular absorption of meperidine from the epidural venous plexus is the most probable explanation for this case of early respiratory depression. We recommend a maximum bolus dose of 50 mg of epidural meperidine for pain management after Caesarean section. It is also important to monitor oxygen saturation continuously during the intraoperative period, and to monitor the patient closely in the recovery room for at least one hour for evidence of respiratory depression.
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The effectiveness of postoperative pain relief and the frequency of side effects with three different doses of epidural diamorphine (2.0, 3.5 and 5 mg) was investigated. The study was carried out double-blind in 30 women undergoing awake elective caesarean section. Postoperative pain intensity was measured on a linear analogue scale. ⋯ Three patients in the 2 mg group failed to achieve scores of zero but were comfortable. No nausea or vomiting was seen but the incidence of itching was 0, 30% and 80% in the 2.0, 3.5 and 5 mg groups respectively. We conclude that epidural diamorphine 2 mg is adequate for relief of post-caesarean pain and higher doses may increase the incidence of unwanted side-effects.
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are very effective for the management of acute postoperative pain. These agents can be used in combination with opioid analgesics and local anaesthetics for the relief of severe postoperative pain, when the combination results in reduced narcotic requirements and improved analgesia compared with opioids and/or local anaesthetics. ⋯ By adding the NSAIDs to a routine analgesic armamentarium the goal of preventing or eliminating postoperative pain, rather than treating or reducing postoperative pain, is achieved. To use these agents more effectively, further research is required to distinguish the differences between the various NSAIDs, the optimal dosage schedules and route of administration, and, finally, the cost-effectiveness and impact on the quality and speed of postoperative recovery of NSAIDs.