Evaluation of a disposable, nonelectronic, patient-controlled-analgesia device for postoperative pain

The safety and efficacy of a disposable, nonelectronic, patient-controlled-analgesia (PCA) device for alleviating postoperative pain were evaluated. Patients who were to undergo abdominal surgical procedures under general anesthesia were instructed in the use of the Travenol Infusor with Patient Control Module. Patients used the PCA device upon emerging from anesthesia in the recovery room. The PCA device delivered a 1-mg i.v. injection of morphine sulfate upon patient demand, with a relative delay of six minutes between allowable administrations. Nursing staff evaluated pain and sedation every four hours using a five-point scale. In the 50 patients evaluated, the highest analgesic use occurred during the first four to eight postoperative hours. After the immediate postoperative period, patients experienced either mild or no pain during approximately 90% of the evaluation periods. No patient suffered respiratory depression during self-dosing. Results of a poststudy self-assessment questionnaire showed that 90% of the patients reported experiencing mild to moderate pain overall, and 78% reported only mild discomfort throughout the postoperative period. Ninety-two percent of the patients strongly preferred PCA therapy over intramuscular injections. The Travenol Infusor with Patient Control Module represents a safe and effective device for PCA therapy of postoperative pain.