Postoperative myocardial infarction after radical cystoprostatectomy masked by patient-controlled analgesia

We present a case report where improper patient use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in the postoperative period resulted in a significant delay in diagnosis of a postoperative myocardial infarction. Despite its excellent safety record and documented efficacy in controlling pain, PCA does have its limitations and can present a danger to the patient if operator error, patient error, or mechanical errors occur. Although the latter is rarely of concern, the two former possibilities exist. Other reported complications of PCA are discussed. We recommended that physicians, when considering use of patient-controlled anesthesia, discuss the qualitative and quantitative aspects of pain associated with the particular type of surgery performed to avoid missed postoperative complications.