Postoperative prolonged epidural analgesia using disposable elastomeric pumps in elderly patients after spinal neurosurgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is a significant problem in patients that causes various complications.
 AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prolonged epidural analgesia using
 disposable elastomeric pumps in elderly patients undergoing spinal neurosurgery and its comparison with the traditional method of postoperative analgesia in 80 patients.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hemodynamic parameters were recorded and the efficiency of pain relief and nature of postoperative complications were assessed in comparable groups. The concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-2 were determined.
 RESULTS: In the group with prolonged epidural analgesia with 0.2% ropivacaine solution, an adequate level of analgesia was achieved in 92% of the patients. The revealed changes in the blood serum levels of cytokines IL-6 and IL-2 may indicate a balanced response of the immune system in the group with prolonged epidural analgesia.
 CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged epidural analgesia using disposable elastomeric pumps provides complete pain relief for patients and correction of individual links of the surgical stress response.