An evaluation of patient-controlled analgesia in adults undergoing cardiac surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in postoperative cardiac surgery patients.


METHODS
Prospective evaluation.


METHODS
Ten patients who had undergone coronary artery vein grafting.


METHODS
A cardiac intensive care unit in a private clinic in London, UK.


METHODS
Pain scores, level of sedation and amount of analgesia and sedation required were recorded, together with each patient's perception of PCA.


RESULTS
Patients had very little recall of their time in the ICU and none was aware of pain during this period. Patients liked managing their own pain.


CONCLUSIONS
PCA is an effective means of controlling postoperative pain in cardiac surgery patients.
Turner
R E
RE
Harley Street Clinic, London, UK.
D000368:Aged; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies