A comparison of intravenous oxycodone and intravenous morphine in patient-controlled postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Author(s): Lenz H, Sandvik L, Qvigstad E, Bjerkelund CE, Raeder J

Affiliation(s): University of Oslo, Faculty Division Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. harald.lenz@medisin.uio.no

Publication date & source: 2009-10, Anesth Analg., 109(4):1279-83.

Publication type: Comparative Study; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we investigated the dose requirements, pain relief, and side effects of oxycodone versus morphine after surgery with visceral pain. METHODS: Ninety-one women received IV oxycodone or morphine before the end of laparoscopic hysterectomy and then continued with patient-controlled analgesia for 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: The accumulated oxycodone consumption was less (13.3 +/- 10.4 mg vs 22.0 +/- 13.1 mg, P = 0.001) than morphine. With oxycodone, the visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in the first hour postoperatively and sedation was less during the 24-h postoperative period, P = 0.006. CONCLUSIONS: Oxycodone was more potent than morphine for visceral pain relief but not for sedation.