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An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
14:56

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)

Published on: January 27, 2010

On-Q ® pain pump versus epidural for postoperative analgesia in children

Elizabeth M Pontarelli1, Jamil A Matthews, Catherine J Goodhue

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 W. Sunset Blvd, Mailstop #100, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA, epontarelli@chla.usc.edu.

Pediatric Surgery International
|July 18, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The On-Q pain pump effectively manages pediatric postoperative pain, reducing catheter use without impacting recovery time. This continuous local anesthesia offers an alternative to epidural catheters, minimizing associated risks.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Postoperative pain management is crucial for pediatric recovery.
  • Continuous local anesthesia delivery systems aim to improve pain control.
  • Epidural catheters are a common method but carry inherent risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and outcomes of the On-Q pain pump versus continuous epidural analgesia in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate pain control, catheter use, and recovery metrics.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric patients (2005-2008) who received either an epidural or On-Q pain pump.
  • Patients were analyzed based on incision type.

Main Results:

  • Both On-Q and epidural groups reported similar moderate to severe pain levels postoperatively.
  • On-Q pump use was associated with decreased Foley catheter placement and shorter catheter duration.
  • Supplemental narcotic use was higher in the On-Q group on postoperative day 1, particularly with abdominal incisions.

Conclusions:

  • The On-Q pain pump demonstrates efficacy in pediatric postoperative pain management.
  • It offers a viable alternative to epidural catheters, potentially reducing associated risks.
  • Further research may explore optimal On-Q pump utilization in specific pediatric surgical populations.
Abstract

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