Comparison of Different Regimens in Cesarean Section (C/S) Patients Receiving PCA Services during Postoperative Period

Abstract

Aim of investigation: The present study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of different regimens in Cesarean Section (C/S) patients receiving Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) services during postoperative period. Methods: C/S patients receiving postoperative analgesia were used Aim plus (Abbott Loboratories) with four different regimens. These regimens included (1) intravenous PCA with morphine, (2) epidural PCA with morphine, (3) epidural PCA with 0.0625% marcaine only and (4) epidural PCA with morphine and 0.0625% marcaine. Pain was assessed using a Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and a degree of Pain Relief Scale (PRS) for rest, movement and cough, daily every 24 hrs. At the same time, we evaluated the total amount of morphine and the side effects such as nausea, vomiting, pruritis, sedation and motor block. Results: These results indicated that the treatment of epidural PCA with morphine and 0.0625% marcaine had the highest score of PRS (3-4), the best pain relief and least side effects such as nausea (4.55%), vomiting (1.55%) and pruritis (9.5%). The patient receiving only epidural 0.0625% marcaine had the lowest PRS value and higher bolus demand numbers. It was expressed that this regimen had the least pain relief efficacy. On the other hand, receiving epidural PCA only with morphine had good pain relief effects but more serious side effects like nausea (17.5%), vomiting (15%). Conclusions PCA has been shown to be both safe and effective in the control of postoperative pain in C S patients. In this study, epidural PCA with morphine and 0.0625% marcaine is better than any other regimen in C/S patients receiving PCA services, and indeed have different efficacy in four different regimens.