Post-cholecystectomy pulmonary function following interpleural bupivacaine and intramuscular pethidine.
Twenty-four patients who were to undergo cholecystectomy were randomised into two groups, one to receive postoperative analgesia with interpleural bupivacaine, 20 ml of a 0.5% solution with adrenaline 5 micrograms/ml, and the other to receive intramuscular pethidine, 1 mg/kg. Preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function, postoperative pain scores, and days from operation to hospital discharge were recorded and statistically compared. There was no significant difference in pain scores, nor in days to discharge; however, postoperative pulmonary mechanics were significantly poorer in the interpleural group. A hypothesis to explain the differences is offered.
Oxorn
D C
DC
Department of Anaesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Halifax Infirmary, Nova Scotia.
Whatley
G S
GS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D008297:Male; D008614:Meperidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010994:Pleura / Q000187:drug effects; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000187:drug effects
D008614:Meperidine; D002045:Bupivacaine