Continuous subarachnoid analgesia in two adolescents with severe scoliosis and impaired pulmonary function
Sethna, N.F.; Berde, C.B.
Regional Anesthesia 16(6): 333-336
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0146-521X PMID: 1772818 Document Number: 376120
We report postoperative pain management of two adolescents after upper abdominal procedures, one with Hurler-Scheie syndrome and a second with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and both had progressive spinal scoliosis with poor pulmonary function. A combined technique of subarachnoid and general anesthesia was used during surgery. Postoperative administration of small intermittent doses of subarachnoid morphine produced profound analgesia, which eliminated the need for systemic opioids, restored preoperative arterial oxygenation within 48 hours after the operation, and expedited postoperative recovery.