Comparison between the effects of epidural and intravenous patient ‐controlled analgesia on postoperative disability‐free survival in patients undergoing thoracic and abdominal surgery: A post hoc analysis

ConclusionNo significant differences were observed in the disability-free survival at 3  months and 1 year after elective thoracic and abdominal surgery in patients aged ≥55 years who received TEA or IV-PCA.Significance statementThis study is the first in our setting to document the long-term effects of patient-controlled analgesia. In a post hoc analysis of our prospective cohort study, we show that although differences in chronic postsurgical pain exist at 3  months post-surgery, disability-free survival rates at 1 year do not differ irrespective of the choice of patient-controlled analgesia. The findings of this study highlight the need for shared decision-making between clinicians and patients.
Source: European Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research