A retrospective comparison of intrathecal morphine and epidural hydromorphone for analgesia following posterior spinal fusion in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis

ConclusionThe efficacy of intraoperative intrathecal morphine for postoperative analgesia in the posterior spinal fusion patient population has been shown previously; however, the pain and analgesic trajectory, including transition to other analgesics, has not previously been studied. Our findings suggest that for many patients, use of intrathecal morphine in addition to routine administration of nonopioid medications facilitates direct transition to oral analgesics in the early postoperative period and earlier routine ambulation and discharge of posterior spinal fusion patients.
Source: Pediatric Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Research Report Source Type: research