THE INFLUENCE OF LOCKOUT INTERVALS AND DRUG SELECTION ON PATIENT-CONTROLLED ANALGESIA FOLLOWING GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY

This study systematically compared 2 opioids, morphine (MOR) and fenta nyl (FEN), and 2 lockout intervals, long (L) and short (S) in patients utilizing patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Seventy-eight women und ergoing gynecological surgery were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: MOR-S (7 min), MOR-L (11 min), FEN-S (5 min), FEN-L (8 min). PCA meas ures obtained during the first 24 h after surgery included: number of demands/h, number of completed deliveries/h, dose/h, and demand/delive ry ratio. Visual analog scales of pain and anxiety were also obtained. Results indicated that pain relief was equivalent with minimal side e ffects for both opioids. The selection of opioid, however, influenced the pattern of PCA use, with an improved demand/delivery ratio initial ly for FEN, The lockout intervals chosen for this study did not influe nce pain or anxiety levels.