Pain Management Following Anorectal Surgery Using Patient- Controlled Analgesia vs. Pudendal Nerve Block: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: The use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) has increased in recent years. Data regarding PCA's usefulness following anorectal surgery are equivocal, and it still needs to be further studied and discussed. Therefore, the current study was conducted to compare PCA with pudendal nerve block (PNB) for pain management in patients undergoing anorectal surgery. Methods: Patients candidate for elective anorectal surgery under general anaesthesia were considered eligible. Prior to the surgery, the patients were divided into PCA and PNB groups. PNB was performed at the end of the surgery just before extubation. PCA was initiated in the recovery room. The patients' pain scores were recorded based on an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours into the post-operative period. The total dose of morphine sulfate consumed, the overall satisfaction, and any side effects were recorded.