postoperatIve paIn In

Previous erratic use of intermittent intramuscular and intravenous morphine or pethidine for postopera­ tive analgesia prompted a prospective trial of con­ tinuous intravenous morphine delivered by an infu­ sion pump. The rate was adjusted to keep the patient free of pain - as assessed by observation in the infant and enquiry in the older child. Serum morphine levels were monitored for the first 36 hours. The results of a cohort of 20 patients (aged 3 months - 12 years) are presented. Thanks to positive parental and nursing staff support, and absence of complica­ tions, administration of postoperative analgesia with continuous intravenous morphine infusion is now standard practice in this unit S AIr Med J 1987; 72: 396-398.