Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Functional and Morphological Assessment of Diaphragm Innervation by Phrenic Motor Neurons
Published on: May 25, 2015
Morphine delays discharge following ambulatory surgery: a prospective institutional study
Narendra Nath Basu1, Bengt Kald, Dugal Heath
1Department of General Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, London, SE18 4QH. naren_basu@hotmail.com
Introduction:
Morphine is used regularly in day surgery despite its known side-effects. We assessed whether this delayed discharge.
Patients And Methods:
100 patients were divided into 2 groups: 50 patients received morphine and 50 patients received non-morphine analgesia. Demographic data and reasons for delayed discharge were recorded.
Results:
73% of all major cases received morphine compared to only 19% of minor cases. Operative and recovery times were significantly greater in the morphine group. 58% of patients given morphine had a delayed discharge compared to 14% of patients not given morphine.
Conclusions:
Morphine use in day surgery is associated with increased operating and recovery times and higher rates of delayed discharge.
Insights
Morphine use in day surgery increases operating and recovery times. Patients receiving morphine experienced significantly higher rates of delayed discharge compared to those who did not.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Morphine is commonly used in day surgery despite known side effects.
- The impact of morphine on patient discharge timing requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between morphine administration and delayed discharge in day surgery patients.
- To compare operative and recovery times between patients receiving morphine and non-morphine analgesia.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 100 day surgery patients, divided into two groups: 50 receiving morphine and 50 receiving non-morphine analgesia.
- Collection of demographic data and reasons for delayed discharge.
Main Results:
- Morphine was administered more frequently in major (73%) versus minor (19%) surgical cases.
- Patients receiving morphine exhibited significantly longer operative and recovery times.
- Delayed discharge occurred in 58% of morphine recipients versus 14% of non-recipients.
Conclusions:
- Morphine administration in day surgery is linked to extended operating and recovery durations.
- The use of morphine is associated with a higher incidence of delayed discharge in ambulatory surgical settings.
Related Concept Videos
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
