On‐demand analgesia

Abstract

Summary A double‐blind study comparing a totally patient‐controlled on‐demand intravenous regime delivering fentanyl and a simple, regular, 4‐hourly intramuscular regime delivering morphine is described. It was demonstrated that mean pain scores in the two groups were almost identical whilst sedation scores were not significantly different. Nausea scores were significantly lower in the regular morphine group. Postoperative respiratory function tests were not significantly different in the two groups.