چكيده لاتين :
Background: To evaluate modified method of epidural administration of morphine (via a gelfoam sponge as a depository) for the purpose of extended pain control after lumbar spinal surgery the present study was carried out in Imam Hossein Hospital in 2000.
Materials and methods: We conducted a randomized, double- blind, placebo controlled trial on 60 adult patients undergoing lumber laminectomy-discectomy operations. Patients were randomized in two groups. Before the closure of the wound, the neurosurgeon was given a syringe containing 3 mg morphine sulphate or equivalent volume of saline (placebo) and injected it into a small piece (2x3cm) of absorbable gelatin sponge (gelfoam). The gelfoam was placed on the dura and midline dorsal fascia was closed without any additional wound irrigation. The effects were assessed using postoperative analog pain scores, narcotic consumption, time to first ambulating, length of hospitalization and complications.
Results: Groups were matched according to the age, sex, weight. There was no significant difference regarding the mean analog pain scores, ,consumption of narcotics, time of the first ambulating, and length of hospitalization.
Conclusion: This method does not improve postoperative pain control and is not effective in providing extended analgesia after lumbar laminectomy .