Intrapleural regional analgesia for pain management in cholecystectomy
M. A. el-Naggar, F. J. Schaberg Jr and M. R. Phillips
Department of Anesthesiology, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket 02860.
Fifty patients undergoing cholecystectomy either electively or urgently
were treated in the postoperative period with the intrapleural injection of
30 mL of 0.75% bupivacaine hydrochloride with epinephrine (1:200,000). The
frequency of narcotic administration and the postoperative stay were
compared with those of 50 historical controls. The group receiving
intrapleural regional analgesia had significant, prolonged pain relief
requiring minimal narcotic analgesics in the first 24 hours postoperatively
and had a significantly shortened hospital stay. There were no
complications related to catheter insertion or bupivacaine toxic effects.
This technique is safe and effective in controlling perioperative pain.
