Use of elastomeric pumps for continuous intravenous analgesia administration in ambulatory surgery pain management

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility and security of the use of elastomeric infusion pumps for the administration of continuous intravenous analgesia during the post-operative period of potentially painful surgical operations performed in the context of ambulatory surgery. Material and methods: Prospective study with 40 patients scheduled for inguinal hernia repair, haemorrhoidectomy, knee arthroscopy and foot orthopedic surgery. At the end of surgery a LV-5 of 5 ml/h Baxter ® elastomeric infusor was connected. Intravenous ketorolac, tramadol and ondansetron were supplied for 55 h. Daily out-patient controls were performed by the nurses of the post-operative out-patient care unit. Pain intensity by means of a plain oral scale, the need for supplemental oral analgesics and the level of patient satisfaction were evaluated daily. Results: 92.5% of the patients reported absence or slight pain 48 h after the surgical operation, and 7.5% referred to moderate pain. No severe pain was reported by the patients in the first 72 h of the post-operative period. 7.5% of the patients felt nauseated, 15% vomited and 10% had discomfort at the venous puncture point. No patient required re-admission after discharge. 87.5% of the patients revealed satisfaction with the analgesic treatment. Conclusion: The use of invasive out-patient analgesic techniques could have viability in some procedures in which oral analgesics are unable to control the post-operative pain. Comparative studies would be needed in order to elucidate the procedures that could benefit from these techniques in our context.