IngentaConnect Analgesia Following Major Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery

Authors: Rosen, David M.B.¹; Lam, Alan M.²; Carlton, Mark A.²; Cario, Gregory M.²; McBride, Lindsay³

Source: JSLS, Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, Volume 2, Number 1, January-March 1998 , pp. 25-29(5)

Publisher: Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons

Abstract:

Background and Objectives: To compare the use of patient-controlled analgesia to intermittent intramuscular injections of morphine following major gynecological laparoscopic procedures in order to assess differences in level of pain, sedation, episodes of nausea and/or vomiting, hospitalization time and patient satisfaction with their postoperative analgesia.

Methods: Seventy-two patients undergoing major gynecological laparoscopic surgery were randomized to receive either postoperative analgesia via intermittent intramuscular injection of morphine (Group 1) or patient controlled analgesia (PCA - Group 2). All patients received anesthesia via a standardized protocol. Postoperative pain levels were recorded via a 10 cm visual analogue scale, and sedation scores were recorded on a standard PCA form. Episodes of nausea and vomiting were also recorded on the same form.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between intramuscular analgesia and PCA for any of the factors studied. Most significantly it was found that most patients ceased to require either form of parenteral analgesia within 24 hours of their procedure, regardless of the operating time.

Conclusion: It is important for the surgeon to be aware of the effects of postoperative analgesia on his or her patients level of satisfaction. We do not recommend the use of PCA analgesia following major laparoscopic gynecological surgery.

Keywords: PCA; LAPAROSCOPY; POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Fellow in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Sydney Women's Endosurgery Centre, St. George Private Hospital & St. George Hospital; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, Australia. 2: Consultant Gynaecologist, Sydney Women's Endosurgery Centre, St. George Private Hospital & St. George Hospital; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, Australia. 3: Consultant Anaesthetist, Sydney Women's Endosurgery Centre, St. George Private Hospital & St. George Hospital; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, Australia.

Analgesia Following Major Gynecological Laparoscopic Surgery - PCA versus Intermittent Intramuscular Injection