Dose requirements, efficacy and side effects of morphine and pethidine delivered by patient-controlled analgesia after gynaecological surgery.
We have compared the dose requirements and side effects of morphine with those of pethidine when administered by patient-controlled analgesia in 40 patients (ASA I-II, 20-65 yr) after elective total abdominal hysterectomy. Patients were allocated randomly, in a double-blind manner, to receive either morphine (bolus dose 2 mg, lockout time 10 min) or pethidine (bolus dose 20 mg, lockout time 10 min) for postoperative pain relief. Mean 24-h morphine and pethidine consumption was 70 (SEM 6.2) mg and 660 (67.8) mg, respectively (ratio 1:9.4). There were no significant differences in postoperative sedation, nausea, pain relief and patient satisfaction (VAS 0-100 mm), and requirements for antiemetics. Four patients receiving pethidine were withdrawn because of postoperative confusion and one receiving morphine because of intractable nausea and vomiting. The 95% confidence interval for this difference between the groups for VAS scores of sedation, nausea and pain were approximately 30 mm.
Stanley
G
G
University Department of Anaesthesia, Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Appadu
B
B
Mead
M
M
Rowbotham
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D008614:Meperidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine; D008614:Meperidine