Spinal Morphine for Postoperative Analgesia in Urology

Patients elicited for open prostatectomy or open nephrectomy were randomly divided in 2 groups. Group M were administered preservative-free morphine 250 mcg in 2.5 ml NS intrathecal using 25 G needle in L1/2 - L5/S1 interspaces. Control group (C) were given no intervention. Placebo intrathecal injection in C was not used because of ethical reason. Standard general anaesthesia was used in both groups. After surgery all patients were transferred to urology ICU and were given standard analgesic regimen according to level of pain measured by numeric rating scale (NRS) 0 - 10: NRS > 3 metamizol 1 g IV every 6 h., max. 4 g/24 h., NRS > 3 paracetamol 1g IV every 6 h., max. 4 g/24 h., NRS > 3 lasting 30 min. after administration of previous ones diclofenac 75 mg IM á 12 h., max. 150 mg/24 h., NRS > 4 morphine 10 mg SC á 6 h. Personnel of ICU was blinded to the analgesic method used.

Noticed parameters: pain intensity (NRS), time to NRS ≥ 4, time to the first morphine request, side effects (respiratory rate <8, SpO2<90 %, nausea, vomiting, naloxone administration for SpO2<88 %, itching).

Standard statistical analysis was used, p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Inclusion criteria

• elicited open prostatectomy or open nephrectomy

Exclusion criteria

• drug or alcohol dependence
• psychiatric drug use
• ASA classification IV or V
• general contraindication to neuroaxial injection