Infusión de morfina para el manejo del dolor postoperatorio en pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal alta

We compared the efficacy and side effects of postoperative continous infusions versus intermittent intravenous on-demand morphine, with or without the addition of clonixin. Eighty five helthy patients, aged 18 to 65 years, scheduled for elective cholecystectomy were prospectively randomized: group 1 (n=22) received morphine 2,5 mg iv on-demand; group 2 (n=22) received a clonixin 400 mg/day iv infusion; group 3 (n=19) a morphine 0,4 mg/kg/day iv infusion; and group 4 (n=22) received a clonixin 400 mg/day plus a morphine 0,4 mg/kg/day iv infusion. Groups 2, 3 and 4 also received, on-demand 2,5 mg iv bolus doses of morphine. A blind observer recorder analogue and descriptive pain scores, respiratory rates and side effects for 72 hours postoperatively. Groups with morphine infusions had less overall pain scores for the first day when compared with intermitent dosing (p