Postoperative analgesia: a comparison of intravenous on-demand fentanyl with epidural bupivacaine.

In a randomised trial postoperative pain relief was provided by either epidural injections of bupivacaine or an infusion of fentanyl adjusted by the patient to achieve adequate pain relief. Both techniques produced satisfactory analgesia without respiratory depression after peripheral arterial surgery. The technique of infusing intravenously a potent analgesic in a dose adjusted by the patient appears to offer several advantages in postoperative care.     

Peripheral regional analgesia with femoral catheter versus intravenous patient controlled analgesia after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective randomized study

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of femoral analgesia (FA) with 0.25% levobupivacain and intravenous patient controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine on postoperative pain assessed by a visual-analog scale (VAS) score and their complications during the first 24 postoperative hours after the a total knee arthroplasty in a prospective randomized study. Secondary outcomes included: morphine use, patient satisfaction, complication of analgesia and duration of hospital stay. We analyzed 71 patients with an ASA score of II or III. The patients were randomized into two groups: group PCA (n = 36) was given the PCA pump, which contained morphine; and group FA (n = 35) was given first a bolus dose, then a continuous infusion 0.25% levobupivacain via a femoral catheter. The assessment of VAS was performed every 2 hours. There were no differences between the PCA and FA groups regarding demographic characteristics, operation duration, ASA score distribution, duration of hospital stay and satisfaction with analgesia (although there were more satisfied patients in the FA group). Significant differences were noted in the quantity of morphine used (higher values were in the PCA group; p < 0.001). More complications were recorded in PCA group (p < 0.001). The VAS score was lower in the FA group (p < 0.001). The highest difference occurred 4 hours after the operation, with the PCA group having significantly higher VAS score values compared to the FA group. Femoral analgesia leads to a stronger pain relief with less side effects, less morphine use and more patient satisfaction than intravenous PCA with morphine.     

Hydrothorax,hydromediastinum and pericardial effusion: a complication of intravenous alimentation.

Complications secondary to intravenous alimentation are rare but potentially lethal. Massive bilateral pleural effusions and a pericardial effusion developed in a patient receiving prolonged intravenous alimentation. Severe respiratory distress and renal failure ensued. He recovered with appropriate treatment.