Comparative study between: Epidural bupivacaine versus Patient Controlled Analgesia for postoperative pain control in total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Introduction Effective postoperative pain control in total knee arthroplasty is important, especially with starting physiotherapy and early ambulation, which enhances recovery and reduces hospital length of stay. The risk of postoperative complications, such as deep venous thrombosis and nosocomial infections, has also been shown to decrease with early mobilization. Aim The aim of this study is to assess the analgesic efficacy of epidural bupivacaine compared with intravenous patient controlled analgesia (opioid and NSAIDs) during postoperative period in total knee arthroplasty. Patients Forty patients, ranging in age from 20 to 70 yr, scheduled to receive total knee replacements with spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned to this study. Methods patients received epidural bupivacaine 0.125% alone in (group epa) or iv nalbuphine 50mg, ketorolac 60mg via pca device. The quality of postoperative analgesia was assessed by the anesthesiologist according to Visual Analogue Score (VAS), Cortisol level 24 hours preoperative and 2 hours postoperative for stress response. Results The efficacy of both epidural Bupivacaine and i.v nalbuphine & ketorolac via PCA device in controlling pain after total Knee arthroplasty however PCA was slightly less efficient especialy during the 12 hr after surgery. We found that one of the main draw backs of epidural analgesia using bupivacaine were arterial hypotension and urinary retention which required catheterization of many patients for voiding of urine. Results were comparable between the 2 groups and were against group EPA, Serum cortisol levels were elevated 2h post-surgery in all patients. This elevation is in accordance with the well-established stress response to surgery. Furthermore, cortisol levels were significantly less elevated in the group EPA, compared with group PCA. Conclusion The results of the study revealed both Epidural bupivacaine and systemic opioids combined with NASID via PCA device are effective of pain control post TKA.