[Patient-controlled epidural analgesia after major urologic surgery]

Postoperative pain is an important issue after major urological surgery. Efficient analgesia is mandatory. The administration of i.m. narcotics is considered routine. This technique, however, has some disadvantages due to the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of the drugs used. In our institution, we recently introduced a new technique: the patient controlled epidural analgesia. A computerized pump administers a continuous infusion of a mixture local anaesthetic/narcotic through a peroperatively placed epidural catheter. This pump also allows patients to administer themselves additional boluses according to their needs. Sixty-two urological patients used this system to their own satisfaction and the satisfaction of the nursing and medical staff. This new approach of postoperative pain relief is discussed.