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Intraoperative vs postoperative morphine improves analgesia without increasing PONV on emergence from ambulatory

J Wong1, E Ritchie, F Chung

  • 1Department of Anesthesia, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract

Insights

Administering morphine intraoperatively improves pain relief after surgery without increasing nausea or vomiting. This timing strategy enhances postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing ambulatory procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pain are common after ambulatory surgery.
  • Optimizing pain management while minimizing side effects is crucial for patient recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare intraoperative versus postoperative morphine administration.
  • To evaluate the impact on postoperative nausea, vomiting, pain control, and recovery.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blinded, placebo-controlled study randomized 70 patients.
  • Morphine (0.1 mg/kg) was given intraoperatively (IOP) or postoperatively (POP).
  • Pain and nausea were assessed using Visual Analog Scales (VAS).

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in PONV incidence or nausea scores between groups.
  • Intraoperative morphine (IOP) resulted in lower pain VAS scores upon awakening compared to postoperative morphine (POP).
  • Patients receiving POP morphine could drink sooner, but other recovery milestones and discharge times were similar.

Conclusions:

  • Intraoperative morphine administration improves early postoperative analgesia after painful ambulatory surgery.
  • This approach does not increase the incidence of PONV.
  • Timing of morphine administration impacts pain management without compromising safety or significantly altering recovery timelines.

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