Continuous subcutaneous infusion of morphine for postoperative pain relief

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Abstract
A double‐blind randomised study of 48 patients in whom continuous subcutaneous infusion and regular intramuscular injection of morphine were compared as analgesic regimens after upper abdominal surgery, is described. Over a 48‐hour period, no difference in pain intensity between the two groups was found by comparing linear analogue scores, assessments on a four‐point rank scale, peak expiratory flow rates or requirement for additional analgesia. Nausea and sedation were assessed using a four‐point rank scale. These side effects were less frequent with subcutaneous infusion (p<0.05). Two patients from each group were judged to have received an overdose. The infusion apparatus was simple and convenient to use. Continuous subcutaneous infusion of morphine is a practical and effective means of achieving postoperative analgesia but, as with other mandatory dosing regimens, relative overdosage may occur.