Patient‐Controlled Analgesic Therapy: Clinical Experience

Abstract

Fifty‐six surgical patients self‐administered i.v. narcotic analgesics to combat postoperative pain. Analgesic demand per h was 2.7±1.1 mg of morphine, 26±10 mg of pethidine or 2.3±0.8 mg of ketobemidone, which reflects the equianalgesic ratios. Acute respiratory depression was seen in two hypovolaemic patients as evidenced by a raised PaCO₂ on air breathing. Carbon dioxide retention disappeared upon correction of hypovolaemia. Late respiratory complications of short duration were encountered in 13%. Drowsiness and dry mouth were the most frequent complaints. Self‐administered analgesia was considered highly satisfactory by the patients.