Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-2brh9 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-26T16:52:56.382Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

New approaches and old controversies to postoperative pain control following cardiac surgery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 April 2006

L. Roediger
Affiliation:
University Hospital of Liége, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Belgium
R. Larbuisson
Affiliation:
University Hospital of Liége, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Belgium
M. Lamy
Affiliation:
University Hospital of Liége, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Belgium
Get access

Extract

Summary

Objective: To evaluate the effect of postoperative pain control in cardiac surgical patients on morbidity, mortality and other outcome measures. Background: New approaches in pain control have been introduced over the past decade. The impact of these interventions, either alone or in combination, on perioperative outcome was evaluated in cardiac surgical patients. Methods: We searched Medline for the period of 1980 to the present using the key terms analgesics, opioid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cardiac surgery, regional analgesia, spinal, epidural, fast-track cardiac anaesthesia, fast-track cardiac surgery, myocardial ischaemia, myocardial infarction, postoperative care, accelerated care programmes, postoperative complications, and we examined and discussed the articles that were identified to be included in this review. Results: Pain management in cardiac surgery is becoming more important with the establishment of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery and fast-track management of conventional cardiac surgery patients. Advances have been made in this area and encompass specific techniques, such as central neuraxial blockade or selective nerve blocks, and drugs (opioids, sedative-hypnotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Ideally, these therapies provide not only patient comfort but also mitigate untoward cardiovascular responses, pulmonary responses, and other inflammatory and secondary sympathetic responses. The introduction of these newer approaches to perioperative care has reduced morbidity, but not mortality, in cardiac surgical patients. Conclusions: Understanding perioperative pathophysiology and implementation of care regimes to reduce the stress of cardiac surgery, will continue to accelerate rehabilitation associated with decreased hospitalization and increased satisfaction and safety after discharge. Reorganization of the perioperative team (anaesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses and physical therapists) will be essential to achieve successful fast-track cardiac surgical programmes. Developments and improvements of multimodal interventions within the context of ‘fast-track’ cardiac surgery programmes represents the major challenge for the medical professionals working to achieve a ‘pain and risk free’ perioperative course.

Type
EACTA Review
Copyright
© 2006 European Society of Anaesthesiology

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Myles PS, Daly DJ, Djaiani G et al. A systematic review of the safety and effectiveness of fast-track cardiac anesthesia. Anesthesiology 2003; 99: 982987.Google Scholar
Gall SAJ, Olsen CO, Reves JG. Beneficial effects of endotracheal extubation on ventricular performance: implications for early extubation after cardiac operations. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1988; 95: 819827.Google Scholar
Mycyk. Respiratory outcomes with early extubation after coronary artery bypass surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 1997; 11: 474480.Google Scholar
Dracup K, Bryan-Brown CW. Pain in the ICU: fact or fiction? Am J Critical Care 1995; 4: 337339.Google Scholar
Kuperberg KG, Grubbs L. Coronary artery bypass patients' perceptions of acute postoperative pain. Clin Nurse Specialist 1997; 11: 116122.Google Scholar
Smith RC, Leung JM, Mangano DT. Postoperative myocardial ischemia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. S.P.I. Research Group. Anesthesiology 1991; 74: 464473.Google Scholar
Mangano DT, Hollenberg M, Fegert G et al. Perioperative myocardial ischemia in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery – I: incidence and severity during the 4 day perioperative period. The Study of Perioperative Ischemia (SPI) Research Group. J Am Coll Cardiol 1991; 17: 843850.Google Scholar
Leung JM, O'Kelly B, Browner WS et al. Prognostic importance of postbypass regional wall-motion abnormalities in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. SPI Research Group. Anesthesiology 1989; 71: 1625.Google Scholar
Mangano DT, Siliciano D, Hollenberg M et al. Postoperative myocardial ischemia. Therapeutic trials using intensive analgesia following surgery. The Study of Perioperative Ischemia (SPI) Research Group. Anesthesiology 1992; 76: 342353.Google Scholar
Watt-Watson J, Stevens B. Managing pain after coronary artery bypass surgery. J Cardiovasc Nursing 1998; 12: 3951.Google Scholar
Ferguson J, Gilroy D, Puntillo K. Dimensions of pain and analgesic administration associated with coronary artery bypass grafting in an Australian intensive care unit. J Adv Nurs 1997; 26: 10651072.Google Scholar
Mueller XM, Tinguely F, Tevaearai HT et al. Pain location, distribution, and intensity after cardiac surgery. Chest 2000; 118: 391396.Google Scholar
Lay TD, Puntillo KA, Miaskowski CA, Wallhagen MI. Analgesics prescribed and administered to intensive care cardiac surgery patients: does patient age make a difference? Prog Cardiovasc Nurs 1996; 11: 1724.Google Scholar
Meehan DA, McRae ME, Rourke DA et al. Analgesic administration, pain intensity, and patient satisfaction in cardiac surgical patients. Am J Crit Care 1995; 4: 435442.Google Scholar
Mueller XM, Tinguely F, Tevaearai HT et al. Pain pattern and left internal mammary artery grafting. Ann Thorac Surg 2000; 70: 20452049.Google Scholar
Gumbs RV, Peniston RL, Nabhani HA, Henry LJ. Rib fractures complicating median sternotomy. Ann Thorac Surg 1991; 51: 952955.Google Scholar
Boldt J, Thaler E, Lehmann A et al. Pain management in cardiac surgery patients: comparison between standard therapy and patient-controlled analgesia regimen. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 1998; 12: 654658.Google Scholar
Pettersson PH, Lindskog EA, Owall A. Patient-controlled vs. nurse-controlled pain treatment after coronary artery bypass surgery. Acta Anaesth Scand 2000; 44: 4347.Google Scholar
Tsang J, Brush B. Patient-controlled analgesia in postoperative cardiac surgery. Anaesth Intensive Care 1999; 27: 464470.Google Scholar
Gust R, Pecher S, Gust A et al. Effect of patient-controlled analgesia on pulmonary complications after coronary artery bypass grafting. Crit Care Med 1999; 27: 22182223.Google Scholar
Myles PS, Buckland MR, Cannon GB et al. Comparison of patient-controlled analgesia and nurse-controlled infusion analgesia after cardiac surgery. Anaesth Intensive Care 1994; 22: 672678.Google Scholar
Searle NR, Roy M, Bergeron G et al. Hydromorphone patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after coronary artery bypass surgery. Can J Anaesth 1994; 41: 198205.Google Scholar
O'Halloran P, Brown R. Patient-controlled analgesia compared with nurse-controlled infusion analgesia after heart surgery. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 1997; 13: 126129.Google Scholar
Munro AJ, Long GT, Sleigh JW. Nurse-administered subcutaneous morphine is a satisfactory alternative to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia morphine after cardiac surgery. Anesth Analg 1998; 87: 1115.Google Scholar
Dal D, Kanbak M, Caglar M, Aypar U. A background infusion of morphine does not enhance postoperative analgesia after cardiac surgery. Can J Anaesth 2003; 50: 476479.Google Scholar
Guler T, Unlugenc H, Gundogan Z et al. A background infusion of morphine enhances patient-controlled analgesia after cardiac surgery. Can J Anaesth 2004; 51: 718722.Google Scholar
Kehlet H. Acute pain control and accelerated postoperative surgical recovery. Surg Clin North Am 1999; 79: 431443.Google Scholar
Pavy T, Medley C, Murphy DF. Effect of indomethacin on pain relief after thoracotomy. Br J Anaesth 1990; 65: 624627.Google Scholar
Griffin M. Con: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be routinely administered for postoperative analgesia after cardiac surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2000; 14: 735738.Google Scholar
Kulika A, Ruela M, Bourkeb ME et al. Postoperative naproxen after coronary artery bypass surgery: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2004; 26: 694700.Google Scholar
Rapanos T, Murphy P, Szalai JP et al. Rectal indomethacin reduces postoperative pain and morphine use after cardiac surgery. Can J Anaesth 1999; 46: 725730.Google Scholar
Hynninen MS, Cheng DC, Hossian IJ. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in treatment of postoperative pain after cardiac surgery. Can J Anaesth 2000; 47: 11821187.Google Scholar
Ralley FE, Day FJ, Cheng DCH. Pro: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be routinely administered for postoperative analgesia after cardiac surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anaesth 2000; 14: 731734.Google Scholar
Stouten EM, Armbruster S, Houmes RJ et al. Comparison of ketorolac and morphine for postoperative pain after major surgery. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1992; 36: 716721.Google Scholar
Immer FF, Immer-Bansi AS, Trachsel N. Pain treatment with a COX-2 inhibitor after coronary artery bypass operation: a randomized trial. Ann Thorac Surg 2003; 75: 490495.Google Scholar
Fayaz MH, Abel RJ, Pugh SC. Opioid-sparing effects of diclofenac and paracetamol lead to improved outcomes after cardiac surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2004; 18: 742747.Google Scholar
Ott E, Nussmeier NA, Duke PC. Efficacy and safety of the cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors parecoxib and valdecoxib in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003; 125: 14811492.Google Scholar
Nussmeier NA, Whelton AA, Brown MT et al. Complications of the COX-2 inhibitors parecoxib and valdecoxib after cardiac surgery. New Eng J Med 2005; 352: 10811091.Google Scholar
Solomon DH, Schneeweiss S, Glynn R. Relationship between selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors and acute myocardial infarction in older adults. Circulation 2004; 109: 20682073.Google Scholar
Bolli R. The late phase of preconditioning. Circ Res 2000; 87: 972983.Google Scholar
Mamdani M, Juurlink DN, Lee DS. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors vs. non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and congestive heart failure outcomes in elderly patients: a population based cohort study. Lancet 2004; 363: 17511756.Google Scholar
White PF, Way WL, Trevor AJ. Ketamine: its pharmacology and therapeutic uses. Anesthesiology 1982; 56: 119136.Google Scholar
White PF, Schuttler J, Shafer A. Comparative pharmacology of the ketamine isomers: studies in volunteers. Br J Anaesth 1985; 57: 197203.Google Scholar
Lahtinen P, Kokki H, Hakala T, Hynynen M. S(+)-ketamine as an analgesic adjunct reduces opioid consumption after cardiac surgery. Anesth Analg 2004; 99: 12951301.Google Scholar
Groudine SB, Fisher HAG, Kaufman RP. Intravenous lidocaine speeds the return of bowel function, decreases postoperative pain, and shortens hospital stay in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy. Anesth Analg 1998; 86: 235239.Google Scholar
Insler SR, O'Connor M, Samonte AF, Bazaral MG. Lidocaine and the inhibition of postoperative pain in coronary artery bypass patients. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 1995; 9: 541546.Google Scholar
Beattie WS, Badner NH, Choi P. Epidural analgesia reduces postoperative myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis. Anesth Analg 2001; 93: 853858.Google Scholar
Hoar PF, Hickey RF, Ullyot DJ. Systemic hypertension following myocardial revascularization: a method of treatment using epidural anesthesia. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1976; 71: 859864.Google Scholar
Kirno K, Friberg P, Grzegorczyk A. Thoracic epidural anesthesia during coronary artery bypass surgery: effects on cardiac sympathetic activity, myocardial blood flow and metabolism, and central hemodynamics. Anesth Analg 1994; 79: 10751081.Google Scholar
Kock M, Blomberg S, Emanuelsson H. Thoracic epidural anesthesia improves global and regional left ventricular function during stress-induced myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease. Anesth Analg 1990; 71: 625630.Google Scholar
Liem TH, Booij LH, Hasenbos MA, Gielen MJ. Coronary artery bypass grafting using two different anesthetic techniques. Part I: Hemodynamic results. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 1992; 6: 148155.Google Scholar
Stenseth R, Bjella L, Berg EM et al. Thoracic epidural analgesia in aorto-coronary bypass surgery. I. Haemodynamic effects. Acta Anaesth Scand 1994; 38: 826833.Google Scholar
Loick HM, Schmidt C, Van Aken H. High thoracic epidural anesthesia, but not clonidine, attenuates the perioperative stress response via sympatholysis and reduces the release of troponin T in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Anesth Analg 1999; 88: 701709.Google Scholar
Scott NB, Turfrey DJ, Ray DAA et al. A prospective randomized study of the potential benefits of thoracic epidural anesthesia and analgesia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Anesth Analg 2001; 93: 528535.Google Scholar
Jideus L, Joachimsson PO, Stridsberg M et al. Thoracic epidural anesthesia does not influence the occurrence of postoperative sustained atrial fibrillation. Ann Thorac Surg 2001; 72: 6571.Google Scholar
Liem TH, Booij LH, Gielen MJ et al. Coronary artery bypass grafting using two different anesthetic techniques: Part 3: Adrenergic responses. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 1992; 6: 162167.Google Scholar
Fawcett WJ, Edwards RE, Quinn AC et al. Thoracic epidural analgesia started after cardiopulmonary bypass. Adrenergic, cardiovascular and respiratory sequelae. Anaesthesia 1997; 52: 294299.Google Scholar
Stenseth R, Bjella L, Berg EM et al. Thoracic epidural analgesia in aortocoronary bypass surgery II: effects on the endocrine metabolic response. Acta Anaesth Scand 1994; 38: 834839.Google Scholar
Moore CM, Cross MH, Desborough JP. Hormonal effects of thoracic extradural analgesia for cardiac surgery. Br J Anaesth 1995; 75: 387393.Google Scholar
Liem TH, Hasenbos MA, Booij LH, Gielen MJ. Coronary artery bypass grafting using two different anesthetic techniques. Part 2: Postoperative outcome. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 1992; 6: 156161.Google Scholar
Tenling A, Joachimsson PO, Tyden H, Hedenstierna G. Thoracic epidural analgesia as an adjunct to general anaesthesia for cardiac surgery. Effects on pulmonary mechanics. Acta Anaesth Scand 2000; 44: 10711076.Google Scholar
Priestley MC, Cope L, Halliwell R et al. Thoracic epidural anesthesia for cardiac surgery: the effects on tracheal intubation time and length of hospital stay. Anesth Analg 2002; 94: 275282.Google Scholar
Royse C, Royse A, Soeding P. Prospective randomized trial of high thoracic epidural analgesia for coronary artery bypass surgery. Ann Thorac Surg 2003; 75: 93100.Google Scholar
Pastor MC, Sanchez MJ, Casas MA et al. Thoracic epidural analgesia in coronary artery bypass graft surgery: seven years' experience. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2003; 17: 154159.Google Scholar
El-Baz N, Goldin M. Continuous epidural infusion of morphine for pain relief after cardiac operations. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1987; 93: 878883.Google Scholar
De Vries AJ, Mariani MA, Van der Maaten JM et al. To ventilate or not after minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery: the role of epidural anesthesia. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2002; 16: 2126.Google Scholar
Liu SS, Block BM, Wu CL. Effects of perioperative central neuraxial analgesia on outcome after coronary artery bypass surgery. A Meta-analysis. Anesthesiology 2004; 101: 153161.Google Scholar
Mathews ET, Abrams LD. Intrathecal morphine in open-heart surgery [Correspondence]. Lancet 1980; 2: 543.Google Scholar
Shroff A, Rooke GA, Bishop MJ. Effects of intrathecal opioid on extubation time, analgesia, and intensive care unit stay following coronary artery bypass grafting. J Clin Anesth 1997; 9: 415419.Google Scholar
Jones SEF, Beasley JM, Macfarlane WR. Intrathecal morphine for postoperative pain relief in children. Br J Anaesth 1984; 56: 137140.Google Scholar
Aun C, Thomas D, St John-Jones L et al. Intrathecal morphine in cardiac surgery. Eur J Anaesth 1985; 2: 419426.Google Scholar
Cheun J. Intraspinal narcotic anesthesia in open heart surgery. J Kor Med Sci 1987; 2: 225229.Google Scholar
Vanstrum GS, Bjornson KM, Ilko R. Postoperative effects of intrathecal morphine in coronary artery bypass surgery. Anesth Analg 1988; 67: 261267.Google Scholar
Swenson JD, Hullander RM, Wingler K, Leivers D. Early extubation after cardiac surgery using combined intrathecal sufentanil and morphine. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 1994; 8: 509514.Google Scholar
Taylor A, Healy M, McCarroll M, Moriarty DC. Intrathecal morphine: one year's experience in cardiac surgical patients. J CardiothoracVasc Anesth 1996; 10: 225228.Google Scholar
Chaney MA, Smith KR, Barclay JC, Slogoff S. Large-dose intrathecal morphine for coronary artery bypass grafting. Anesth Analg 1996; 83: 215222.Google Scholar
Alhashemi JA, Sharpe MD, Harris CL, Sherman V, Boyd D. Effect of subarachnoid morphine administration on extubation time after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2000; 14: 639644.Google Scholar
Zarate E, Latham P, White PF et al. Fast-track cardiac anesthesia: use of remifentanil combined with intrathecal morphine as an alternative to sufentanil during a desflurane anesthesia. Anesth Analg 2000; 91: 283287.Google Scholar
Bowler I, Djaiani G, Abel R et al. A combination of intrathecal morphine and remifentanil anesthesia for fast-track cardiac anesthesia and surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2002; 16: 709714.Google Scholar
Lena P, Balarac N, Arnulf JJ et al. Intrathecal morphine and clonidine for coronary artery bypass grafting. Br J Anaesth 2003; 90: 300303.Google Scholar
Parlow JL, Steele RG, O'Reilly D. Low-dose intrathecal morphine facilitates early extubation after cardiac surgery: results of a retrospective continuous quality improvement audit. Can J Anaesth 2005; 52: 9499.Google Scholar
Zisman E, Shenderey A, Ammar R et al. The effects of intrathecal morphine on patients undergoing minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2005; 19: 4043.Google Scholar
Chaney MA, Furry PA, Fluder EM, Slogoff S. Intrathecal morphine for coronary artery bypass grafting and early extubation. Anesth Analg 1997; 84: 241248.Google Scholar
Sebel PS, Aun C, Fiolet J et al. Endocrinological effects of intrathecal morphine. Eur J Anaesth 1984; 2: 291296.Google Scholar
Hall R, Adderley N, MacLaren C et al. Does intrathecal morphine alter the stress response following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery? Can J Anaesth 2000; 47: 463466.Google Scholar
Fitzpatrick GJ, Moriarty DC. Intrathecal morphine in the management of pain following cardiac surgery. A comparison with morphine i.v. Br J Anaesth 1988; 60: 639644.Google Scholar
Casey W, Wynands J. The role of intrathecal morphine in the anaesthetic management of patients undergoing CABG surgery. J Cardiothorac Anesth 1987; 1: 510516.Google Scholar
Bettex DA, Schmidlin D, Chassot PG, Schmid ER. Intrathecal sufentanil–morphine shortens the duration of intubation and improves analgesia in fast-track cardiac surgery. Can J Anaesth 2002; 49: 711717.Google Scholar
Metz S, Schwann N, Hassanein W et al. Intrathecal morphine for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2004; 18: 451453.Google Scholar
Turnbull KW. Con: neuraxial block is useful in patients undergoing heparinization for surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 1996; 10: 961962.Google Scholar
Ruff RL, Dougherty Jr JH. Complications of lumbar puncture followed by anticoagulation. Stroke 1981; 12: 879881.Google Scholar
Vandermeulen EP, Van Aken H. Anticoagulants and spinal-epidural anesthesia. Anesth Analg 1994; 79: 11651177.Google Scholar
Ho AM, Chung DC, Joynt GM. Neuraxial blockade and hematoma in cardiac surgery: estimating the risk of a rare adverse event that has not (yet) occurred. Chest 2000; 117: 551555.Google Scholar
Sharma S, Kapoor MC, Sharma VK, Dubey AK. Epidural hematoma complicating high thoracic epidural catheter placement intended for cardiac surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2004; 18: 759762.Google Scholar
Rosen DA, Hawkinberry DW, Rosen KR et al. An epidural hematoma in an adolescent patient after cardiac surgery. Anesth Analg 2004; 98: 966969.Google Scholar
Roach GW, Kanchuger M, Mangano CM. Adverse cerebral outcomes after coronary bypass surgery. Multicenter Study of Perioperative Ischemia Research Group and the Ischemia Research and Education Foundation Investigators. New Eng J Med 1996; 335: 18571863.Google Scholar
Iyer VS, Russell WJ, Leppard P. Mortality and myocardial infarction after coronary artery bypass grafting. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998; 116: 440446.Google Scholar
Deneuvile M, Bisserier A, Regnard J et al. Continuous intercostal analgesia with 0.5% bupivacaine after thoracotomy: a randomized study. Ann Thorac Surg 1993; 55: 381385.Google Scholar
Roberge CW, McEwen M. The effects of local anesthetics on postoperative pain. AORN J 1998; 68: 10031012.Google Scholar
Dowling R, Thielmeier K, Ghaly A et al. Improved pain control after cardiac surgery: results of a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003; 126: 12711278.Google Scholar
McDonald SB, Jacobsohn E, Kopacz DJ et al. Parasternal block and local anesthetic infiltration with levobupivacaine after cardiac surgery with desflurane: the effect on postoperative pain, pulmonary function, and tracheal extubation times. Anesth Analg 2005; 100: 2532.Google Scholar
White PF, Rawal S, Latham P et al. Use of a continuous local anesthetic infusion for pain management after median sternotomy. Anesthesiology 2003; 99: 918923.Google Scholar
Fillinger MP, Yeager MP, Dodds TM et al. Epidural anesthesia and analgesia: effects on recovery from cardiac surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2002; 16: 1520.Google Scholar
Chaney MA, Nikolov MP, Blakeman BP, Bakhos M. Intrathecal morphine for coronary artery bypass graft procedure and early extubation revisited. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 1999; 13: 574578.Google Scholar
Boulanger A, Perreault S, Choiniere M et al. Intrathecal morphine after cardiac surgery. Ann Pharmacother 2002; 36: 13371343.Google Scholar