A study shows that single-shot intrathecal morphine (ITM) is non-inferior to continuous wound infiltration (CWI) for pain management after open pancreatoduodenectomy, with a significant advantage in early pain control.
- ITM resulted in lower mean coughing pain scores at 2 hours (5.7 vs. 6.1) and maintained better pain scores at 24 hours, leading to reduced need for fentanyl.
- Despite comparable overall outcomes, ITM was associated with increased respiratory depression and pruritus in the early postoperative period.
Surgeons should consider ITM for enhanced early analgesia while remaining vigilant for its side effects.
Comparative Study by Yoon S, Kim T (…) Jang JY et 7 al. in Br J Surg
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