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Postoperative epidural morphine is safe on surgical wards
L B Ready1, K A Loper, M Nessly
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Anesthesiology
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Epidural morphine effectively manages postoperative pain on surgical wards. This study shows a 95% success rate with minimal side effects, making it a safe option for non-intensive care unit patients.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pain Management
- Postoperative Care
Background:
- Postoperative analgesia with epidural morphine outside intensive care units is debated.
- Acute pain services aim to optimize pain management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of epidural morphine for postoperative pain management on surgical wards.
- To document the outcomes of a large cohort of patients receiving this treatment.
Main Methods:
- Prospective documentation of 1,106 consecutive postoperative patients receiving epidural morphine on surgical wards.
- Data collection on pain scores (verbal analog scale), side effects, and complications.
- Analysis of patient-reported outcomes and adverse events.
Main Results:
- Median pain scores at rest were 1 (IQR 3) and with activity were 4 (IQR 4).
- Incidence of side effects: pruritus 24%, nausea 29%, respiratory depression 0.2%.
- 95% of patients experienced no major complications (e.g., catheter issues, infection, respiratory depression).
Conclusions:
- Epidural morphine is a safe and effective method for managing postoperative pain on surgical wards.
- The technique demonstrates a high success rate with a low incidence of serious adverse events.
- This approach can be successfully implemented by anesthesiology-based acute pain services.