Comparison of intrapleural versus intravenous morphine for postthoracotomy pain management.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the analgesic effects of intrapleural and intravenous morphine administration for postthoracotomy pain management.


METHODS
Randomized, prospective trial.


METHODS
University teaching hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-eight consenting patients scheduled for elective thoracotomy operations.


METHODS
Patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either 20 mg of intrapleural morphine (IPM group) or 20 mg of intravenous morphine (IVM group) at the end of the operation. Plasma morphine levels, arterial pressures, heart rate, verbal analog scale (VAS), respiratory rate, and PaCO2 levels were compared in two groups.


RESULTS
Plasma morphine levels were significantly higher in the IVM group at the 5th minute until the 2nd postoperative hour. VAS was significantly higher in the IVM group. Respiratory rates were significantly higher in the IPM group, whereas PaCO2 remained significantly lower than in the IVM group.


CONCLUSIONS
IPM achieved better analgesia than IVM and this effect is probably attributable to peripheral effects of morphine.
Cerrahpaśa Medical Faculty Anethesiology Department, Istanbul, Turkey.
B
B
Aykaç
H
H
Erolćay
Y
Y
Dikmen
H
H
Oz
O
O
Yillar
D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010994:Pleura; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013908:Thoracotomy
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine