Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2017.56.03.11

Postoperative Pain Management after Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgical Treatment: Comparing Practice with Guidelines

Ivan Utrobičić ; Department of Plastic Surgery, Split University Hospital Center
Frane Utrobičić ; Laboratory for Pain Research, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split
Ivona Prološčić ; Laboratory for Pain Research, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split
Toni Utrobičić ; Laboratory for Pain Research, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split
Milka Jerić ; Department of Dermatovenereology, Zadar General Hospital, Zadar
Antonia Jeličić Kadić ; Laboratory for Pain Research, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split
Livia Puljak ; Laboratory for Pain Research, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split

Abstract

Th e management of postoperative pain after carpal tunnel syndrome surgical treatment at a tertiary hospital was analyzed and compared with the guidelines for perioperative pain management. This retrospective study included 579 patients operated on for carpal tunnel syndrome at the Split University Hospital Center in Split, Croatia. Th e following key data were collected from patient medical records: age, gender, type and dosage of premedication, type and dosage of anesthesia, type and dosage of postoperative analgesia per each postoperative day. Th e procedures related to perioperative pain were analyzed and compared with the current guidelines for perioperative acute pain management. Study results showed that 99.6% of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were operated under local anesthesia, of which 2.9% also received sedation. Analgesics were prescribed to 45% of patients after surgery, and according to patient charts, 39% of patients actually received postoperative analgesic(s). Generally, postoperative pain was treated on the fi rst postoperative day, mostly with nonsteroidal anti-infl ammatory drugs. Only two patients received weak opioids for postoperative pain. Many recommendations from the guidelines for perioperative acute pain management were not followed. In conclusion, the guidelines should be followed and appropriate interventions used to improve postoperative pain management.

Keywords

Pain, postoperative; Carpal tunnel syndrome; Pain management; Analgesia; Anesthesia, local; Anti-inflammatory agents, non-steroidal

Hrčak ID:

191642

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/191642

Publication date:

1.9.2017.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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