The Effect of Multimodal Analgesia on Intraoperative Morphine Requirement in Lumbar Spine Surgeries

Anesth Essays Res. 2017 Apr-Jun;11(2):397-400. doi: 10.4103/0259-1162.194553.

Abstract

Background: Lumbar spine surgery demands intense analgesia. Preemptive multimodal analgesia (MMA) is a novel approach to attenuate the stress response to surgical stimulus.

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the intraoperative morphine consumption in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.

Patients and methods: A randomized, prospective, double-blind study involving 42 patients belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I and II scheduled to undergo elective lumbar spine surgery were allocated into two groups of 21 each. Group A (study group) received injection diclofenac sodium, paracetamol, clonidine, and skin infiltration with bupivacaine adrenaline and Group B (control group) received paracetamol and skin infiltration with saline adrenaline. Preemptive analgesia was practiced in both the groups. Intraoperative morphine consumption was documented.

Statistical methods: Intraoperative morphine consumption between the two groups was compared using Mann-Whitney U-test. Postextubation sedation score between the two groups was compared using Chi-square test and presented as number and percentage. P < 5% was considered statistically significant.

Results: Intraoperative morphine consumption was significantly low in the study group (P < 0.001). Postextubation sedation score was comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion: Preemptive MMA has demonstrated significant morphine sparing effect intraoperatively in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgeries.

Keywords: Bispectral index; hemodynamic parameters; lumbar spine surgery; morphine; multimodal analgesia; preemptive analgesia.