ANALGESICS DURING THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIO D IN ABDOMINAL-SURGERY

BACKGROUND: Analgesics can avoid postoperative pain. The aim of this s tudy was to evaluate their prescription after abdominal surgery. PATIE NTS AND METHODS: Prospective study including patients who had undergon e abdominal surgery in two hospitals in Barcelona, in 1993. Prescripti on and administration of analgesic drugs, and pain severity during the first 48 hours of the postoperative period were evaluated. RESULTS: O ne hundred and sixty-four patients (83 men) were included. The most fr equently prescribed dregs were metamizol (111; 68%), pethidine (83, 51 %), and diclofenac (44; 27%). A high percentage of analgesic prescript ions on an <<as needed>> basis was recorded. Administered doses were l ower than those recommended, and lower than those prescribed. Fifty-th ree percent of patients suffered significant pain during the first day . CONCLUSION: A too low proportion of analgesic drugs is prescribed in a predetermined schedule, in contrast to <<as needed>> prescription. Opiate derivatives are underused. All analgesic drugs are prescribed a t inadequate dosage. This prescription pattern is associated with a hi gh prevalence of postoperative pain.