Abstract | PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the use of continuous epidural analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing major abdominal tumor surgery. METHODS: Children undergoing major abdominal tumor surgery at our institution between 2008 and 2012 (n=40) received continuous epidural analgesia via an epidural catheter. Surgical trauma scores, pain scores, and clinical data of the children were compared to a pair-matched historical control group operated on between 2002 and 2007 without epidural analgesia. RESULTS:
Pain levels in the study group on day 1 and 3 after surgery were lower compared to the control group. The differences did, however, not reach statistical significance (p=0.15 and 0.09). Children in the study group received significantly fewer additional doses of piritramide or morphine (45% versus 82%, p<0.001). Despite significantly higher surgical trauma scores in the study group (p=0.018), there were no statistical differences regarding clinical parameters, such as mechanical ventilation time, time on intensive care unit, and total hospital stay. There were no catheter-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous epidural analgesia is beneficial for children undergoing complex abdominal tumor surgery with regard to pain levels, postoperative recovery, and general clinical course. Expertise of the managing team, a careful patient selection, and a continuous quality assessment are essential for success.
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Authors | Steven W Warmann, Stefanie Lang, Frank Fideler, Gunnar Blumenstock, Barbara Schlisio, Matthias Kumpf, Martin Ebinger, Guido Seitz, Jörg Fuchs |
Journal | Journal of pediatric surgery
(J Pediatr Surg)
Vol. 49
Issue 4
Pg. 551-5
(Apr 2014)
ISSN: 1531-5037 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 24726111
(Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Abdominal Neoplasms
(surgery)
- Analgesia, Epidural
(methods)
- Analgesics
(therapeutic use)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Matched-Pair Analysis
- Pain Measurement
- Pain, Postoperative
(diagnosis, drug therapy, prevention & control)
- Perioperative Care
(methods)
- Retrospective Studies
- Treatment Outcome
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