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  • Title: Randomized controlled trial comparing the controlled rehabilitation with early ambulation and diet pathway versus the controlled rehabilitation with early ambulation and diet with preemptive epidural anesthesia/analgesia after laparotomy and intestinal resection.
    Author: Zutshi M, Delaney CP, Senagore AJ, Mekhail N, Lewis B, Connor JT, Fazio VW.
    Journal: Am J Surg; 2005 Mar; 189(3):268-72. PubMed ID: 15792748.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Multimodal postoperative care regimens accelerate recovery after abdominal surgery. The benefit of thoracic epidural (TE) analgesia over patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) remains unproven when used with a fast-track postoperative care plan. METHODS: Fifty-six patients undergoing major intestinal resection, and on a fast-track postoperative care plan, were randomized to preemptive TE or PCA. Patients were evaluated at standard time points for pain score, quality of life (Short Form-36), and complications. Oral analgesia was substituted for TE and PCA on the second postoperative day. Discharge criteria were identical for both groups. RESULTS: Six patients (20.6%) had a failed epidural. There was no difference in length of stay (5.8 versus 6.2 days, TE versus PCA, P = .55), total length of stay (including readmissions), pain scores, quality of life, complications, or hospital costs at any time point. CONCLUSION: TE offers no advantage over PCA for patients undergoing major intestinal resections who are on a fast-track postoperative care plan using PCA.
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