Evaluation of an anesthetic pump for postoperative care after shoulder surgery

In theory, a prolonged, local infusion of anesthetic into a surgical field should reduce postoperative pain. Recently, disposable products have become available to implement this, but the balance between cost and benefit is controversial. This study evaluated such a device in two specific types of arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder: decompression of the subacromial space and repair of a torn labrum in the glenohumeral joint. Placement of the catheter into the glenohumeral joint resulted in problems in removing the device from some cases so that application is not recommended. When the catheter was placed in the subacromial space, the infusion pump was associated with significantly shorter stays in the recovery room, but there was no benefit over placebo with regard to pain, demand for rescue narcotic, or recovery of motion. Furthermore, use of the device presented some inconveniences to the surgical staff and the patient. It was concluded that use of this particular device in these particular applications is not justified.