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Patient-controlled analgesia in pediatric surgery
B M Rodgers1, C J Webb, D Stergios
1Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) provides effective pain relief for pediatric surgical patients. This technology is safe, well-accepted, and reduces overall analgesia use and nursing attention post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pain Management
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is established in adults but understudied in pediatric populations.
- Previous research focused on adult patient acceptance and efficacy of PCA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of PCA in pediatric surgical patients.
- To assess patient and parent acceptance of PCA for postoperative pain control.
Main Methods:
- PCA was administered to 15 pediatric surgical patients (ages 11-18) undergoing major thoracic or abdominal surgery.
- Patients received pre-operative training; PCA initiated post-recovery and used for an average of 2.6 days.
- Pain relief assessed via verbal-visual scale; mechanical issues and analgesia consumption compared to historical controls.
Main Results:
- PCA was well-accepted by pediatric patients, with excellent pain relief (average 7.2/10).
- No significant mechanical issues were reported; PCA patients used less total analgesia compared to controls.
- Seven of eight previously operated patients preferred PCA for pain control.
Conclusions:
- Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is a safe and effective method for managing postoperative pain in pediatric surgical patients.
- PCA achieves adequate pain relief with reduced overall analgesia requirements and nursing care.
- PCA technology is recommended for routine use in postoperative pediatric care.