Comparison of one technique of patient-controlled postoperative analgesia with intramuscular meperidine.
We have compared analgesic requirements, perceived pain, and self-assessment of 'health locus of control' for 72 h in 88 subjects after cholecystectomy, randomized to either a standard technique of self-administration of meperidine (patient-controlled analgesia, PCA) or to intramuscular injections on demand (i.m.). Multivariate analysis revealed no statistical differences between group scores for pain (over any 24 h period) and only minor differences in total meperidine administered. However, the PCA group received significantly less analgesic in the first 24 h (P less than 0.01) and described significantly more pain over the first 4 h (P less than 0.01). Assessment of 'health locus of control' did not show any marked changes. Analysis of patient questionnaires suggests more enthusiasm for patient-controlled analgesia, but in this study, it was difficult to clearly demonstrate any significant advantage for pain management or amount of opiate administered.
Departments of Nursing, Pharmacy and Surgery, Foothills Hospital and University of Calgary, Calgary, AlbertaCanada.
Diane
D
McGrath
Norma
N
Thurston
Dale
D
Wright
Roy
R
Preshaw
Punch
P
Fermin
D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008614:Meperidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009294:Narcotics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012646:Self Administration
D000700:Analgesics; D009294:Narcotics; D008614:Meperidine