[Comparison of analgesics using two devices for the patient-controlled analgesia]

A pilot unicenter blind placebo-controlled study comparing different analgesics was conducted in parallel groups, by concurrently using two patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) apparatuses in one patient, was conducted Subjects and methods. The study included patients after laparotomy. Group I patients (n=22) were proposed 2 PCA apparati, one of which contained trimeperidine solution and the other did placebo. Group 2 patients (n=17) were proposed 2 PCA apparatuses, one of which contained trimeperidine solution and the other did lornoxycam. PCA was adjusted in the same manner in both apparati. The patients were asked to determine which analgesic is best in providing 24-hour analgesia.

There were no differences in the intensity of pain between the groups. The latter did not differ in the number of adverse reactions. Comparison showed no significant differences in the use of trimeperidine between Groups 1 and 2 patients. Among Group 1 patients, 61% considered trimeperidine as the best analgesic and 22% did placebo; 17% called none. Group 2 patients chose trimeperidine in 41% of cases and lornoxycam in 41%, none was called in 18%.

Comparative assessment of analgesics, by employing 2 PCA apparatuses in one patient, allows evaluation of the efficacy of analgesics added to the conventional methods.