Morphine delays discharge following ambulatory surgery: a prospective institutional study.
BACKGROUND
Morphine is used regularly in day surgery despite its known side-effects. We assessed whether this delayed discharge.


METHODS
100 patients were divided into 2 groups: 50 patients received morphine and 50 patients received non-morphine analgesia. Demographic data and reasons for delayed discharge were recorded.


RESULTS
73% of all major cases received morphine compared to only 19% of minor cases. Operative and recovery times were significantly greater in the morphine group. 58% of patients given morphine had a delayed discharge compared to 14% of patients not given morphine.


CONCLUSIONS
Morphine use in day surgery is associated with increased operating and recovery times and higher rates of delayed discharge.
Basu
Narendra Nath
NN
Department of General Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Stadium Road, London, SE18 4QH. naren_basu@hotmail.com
Kald
Bengt
B
Heath
Dugal
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine