title: Epidural morphine by the thoracic or lumbar routes in cholecystectomy. Effect on postoperative pain and respiratory variables.
abstract: Thirty-seven women undergoing elective cholecystectomy were randomised into two groups, receiving either lumbar epidural morphine (group L) or epidural morphine via the thoracic route (group T). The effect on pain relief was assessed by a visual analogue scale and included both resting pain and 'provoked' pain. Respiratory parameters (PEF, FEVI and FVC) were also studied. The patients were investigated preoperatively, and 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours after the start of surgery. No significant difference was observed between the groups concerning pain relief or respiratory performance. We conclude that after cholecystectomy lumbar epidural morphine is as effective as thoracic epidural morphine in relieving postoperative pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, University Hospital, Linkoping, Sweden.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hakanson
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bengtsson
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rutberg
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Ulrick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000379:methods*; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae
chemical_list: D009020:Morphine