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

Abstract

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.

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