Objective: Evaluation of the technique and value of intravesical morphine instillation after ureterovesical reimplantation in children.
Material and methods: From July 1997 to June 1998, the Duckett protocol (Philadelphia, USA), comprising slow intravesical infusion of morphine for the first three prosoperative days, was applied in 25 children aged five months to twelve years after ureterovesical reimplantation surgery, without bladder catheterization. Postoperative pain was evaluated by CHEOPS and VAS scales and by all nursing staff by an anonymous questionnaire.
Results: Analgesic assessment tests confirmed a significant improvement of postoperative comfort, despite the absence of a bladder catheter. No adverse effects or complications related to intravesical morphine instillation were observed.
Conclusion: Intravesical morphine instillation is an easy, effective postoperative analgesia technique, allowing good tolerance of the absence of postoperative bladder catheterization.