Ann Coloproctol.  2014 Jun;30(3):135-140. 10.3393/ac.2014.30.3.135.

Morphine Spinal Block Anesthesia in Patients Who Undergo an Open Hemorrhoidectomy: A Prospective Analysis of Pain Control and Postoperative Complications

• Moreira H
• Moreira JP
• Isaac RR
• Alves-Neto O
• Moreira TA
• Vieira TH
• Brasil AM

• KMID: 1801632
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2014.30.3.135

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study evaluated the use of adding morphine to bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia for pain control in patients who underwent an open hemorrhoidectomy.
METHODS
Forty patients were prospectively selected for an open hemorrhoidectomy at the same institution and were randomized into two groups of 20 patients each: group 1 had a spinal with 7 mg of heavy bupivacaine associated with 80 microg of morphine (0.2 mg/mL). Group 2 had a spinal with 7 mg of heavy bupivacaine associated with distilled water, achieving the same volume of spinal infusion as that of group 1. Both groups were prescribed the same pain control medicine during the postoperative period. Pain scores were evaluated at the anesthetic recovery room and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. Postoperative complications, including pruritus, nausea, headaches, and urinary retention, were also recorded.
RESULTS
There were no anthropometric statistical differences between the two groups. Pain in the anesthetic recovery room and 3 hours after surgery was similar for both groups. However, pain was better controlled in group 1 at 6 and 12 hours after surgery. Although pain was better controlled for group 1 after 24 hours of surgery, the difference between the groups didn't achieved statistical significance. Complications were more common in group 1. Six patients (6/20) presented coetaneous pruritus and 3 with (3/20) urinary retention.
CONCLUSION
A hemorrhoidectomy under a spinal with morphine provides better pain control between 6 and 12 hours after surgery. However, postoperative complications, including cutaneous pruritus (30%) and urinary retention (15%), should be considered as a negative side of this procedure.

Keyword

Postoperative pain; Hemorroidectomy; Urinary retention

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia*
Anesthesia, Spinal
Bupivacaine
Headache
Hemorrhoidectomy*
Humans
Infusions, Spinal
Morphine*
Nausea
Pain, Postoperative
Postoperative Complications*
Postoperative Period
Prospective Studies*
Pruritus
Recovery Room
Urinary Retention
Water
Bupivacaine
Morphine
Water