J Korean Pain Soc.  1996 Nov;9(2):363-367.

Evaluation of Backpain after Continuous Epidural Analgesia by Pressure Algometer

• Kwon YE
• Park SH
• Kim IR
• Lee JH
• Lee KN
• Moon JI

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recently postoperative pain control with continuous epidural analgesia has been increased. This study aimes to evaluate backpain following continuous epidural analgesia by pressure threshold meter (algometer).
METHODS
After informed consent, 50 ASA physical status I or II patients undergoing elective gynecologic surgery were selected. After placing epidural catheter, patients received morphine 0.05 mg/kg with 0.25% bupivacaine 5 ml followed by continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine 100ml with morphine 4mg for 48 hours. Backpain was measured by pressure algometer over lumbar paraspinalis at the L4 level, 5 and 7 cm from the midline on preoperative, operation day, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th postoperative days.
RESULTS
Postoperative mean pressure thresholds of were higher than preoperative value (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The continuous epidural analgesia does not provide or aggravate postoperative backpain, but it must be evaluated for long term follow-up.

Keyword

Anesthetic techniques: epidural; Equipment: pressure threshold meter; Pain: backpain

MeSH Terms

Analgesia, Epidural*
Bupivacaine
Catheters
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Gynecologic Surgical Procedures
Humans
Informed Consent
Morphine
Pain, Postoperative
Bupivacaine
Morphine