title: The effects of epidural versus parenteral opioid analgesia on postoperative pain and pulmonary function in adults who have undergone thoracic and abdominal surgery: a critique of research.
abstract: Studies comparing epidural and parenteral opioid analgesia for patients experiencing thoracic or abdominal surgery are analyzed with respect to differences in postoperative pain and pulmonary function. Although most studies suggest that epidural analgesia is superior for postoperative pain relief, few clearly demonstrate an improvement in pulmonary function attributable to epidural analgesia. Recommendations for future research are proposed to improve the design, measurement, analysis, and reporting of studies. Research relevant to the nursing care of patients receiving epidural analgesia is suggested.
authors.affiliation: Rochester General Hospital, N.Y.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wahl
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: DeTraglia
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Speck
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007268:Injections, Epidural; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects*; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D013903:Thoracic Surgery
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics