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Day case shoulder surgery: satisfactory pain control without regional anaesthesia. A prospective analysis of a perioperative protocol

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Abstract

Background

Pain control is an issue which may limit patients’ acceptance of day case shoulder surgery. This study prospectively examined the outcome of a protocol for day case shoulder surgery to determine if satisfactory pain relief could be achieved without regional anaesthesia.

Methods

Patients attended for pre-assessment and were informed about the procedure and day case protocol. Anaesthesia used was either a regional anaesthetic block or subacromial bursal block. Patients were discharged with a standard pain pack. All 117 operations were performed arthroscopically. Patients were contacted 24 h following surgery by an independent observer.

Results

Based on 90 completed surveys, all patients were satisfied. Pain was well controlled in 85% of patients but 50% of the remaining patients did not take the prescribed pain pack. Problems other than pain were seen in only 4% of patients. No patients required overnight admission.

Conclusion

Our study indicates a very high level of patient satisfaction and good pain relief without the use of regional anaesthesia for patients undergoing shoulder surgery as a day case.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Road, Dublin 9, Republic of Ireland

    Z. J. Daruwalla, M. Halpenny & H. Mullett

Authors
  1. Z. J. Daruwalla
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  2. M. Halpenny
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  3. H. Mullett
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Correspondence to Z. J. Daruwalla.

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Daruwalla, Z.J., Halpenny, M. & Mullett, H. Day case shoulder surgery: satisfactory pain control without regional anaesthesia. A prospective analysis of a perioperative protocol. Ir J Med Sci 178, 57–60 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0254-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-008-0254-8

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