Using Continuous Anesthetic Infusion to Reduce Pain After Heart Surgery
Author Information
Author(s): Koukis Ioannis, Argiriou Mihalis, Dimakopoulou Antonia, Panagiotakopoulos Victor, Theakos Nikolaos, Charitos Christos
Primary Institution: Department of Cardiac Surgery, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
Hypothesis
Will continuous subcutaneous regional anesthetic infusion decrease postoperative pain and opioid requirements in cardiac surgical patients?
Conclusion
The study found that continuous subcutaneous infusion of ropivacaine significantly reduces postoperative pain and opioid use in cardiac surgical patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients experienced significantly lower pain levels with a mean VAS score of 1.4.
- 57 out of 76 patients did not require any supplemental opioid infusions.
- The mean postoperative length of stay was reduced from 6.7 days to 5.8 days.
- Patients were able to ambulate and breathe easier without significant pain.
- There were no complications related to catheter placement or removal.
- 64% of patients reported no significant pain at all.
Takeaway
This study shows that giving pain medicine directly at the surgery site helps kids feel less pain after heart surgery and need less strong medicine.
Methodology
76 adult patients undergoing median sternotomy received continuous subcutaneous infusion of ropivacaine, and their pain levels and opioid use were monitored postoperatively.
Limitations
The study excluded patients with prolonged ICU stays and those unable to use the pain scale.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 69, 54 males and 22 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website