Continuous intraoperative epidural infusions affect recovery room length of stay and analgesic requirements: a single-center observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Continuous intraoperative epidural analgesia may improve post-operative pain control and decrease opioid requirements. We investigate the effect of epidural infusion initiation before or after arrival in the post-anesthesia care unit on recovery room duration and post-operative opioid use.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of abdominal, thoracic and orthopedic surgeries where an epidural catheter was placed prior to surgery at the University of Washington Medical Center during a 24 month period.

Results

Patients whose epidural infusions were started prior to PACU arrival (Group 2: n = 540) exhibited a shorter PACU length of stay (p = .004) and were less likely to receive intravenous opioids in the recovery room (34 vs. 48%; p < .001) compared t

SUBMITTER: Shah AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5830940 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature