The Operating Room Global Journal
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Preservative-Free Intrathecal Morphine and Surgical Site Local Anesthetic Infiltration Combined with Conventional Analgesia for Post-Cesarean Section Pain Management
By The Operating Room Global (TORG), Pacifique Ishimwe, Eric Kwizera and 2 others.
Abstract
Background
Effective pain control after cesarean section (CS) supports early ambulation and maternal recovery. Preservative-free intrathecal morphine provides prolonged analgesia but causes opioid-related side effects. Surgical-site local anesthetic infiltration with conventional analgesia offers an alternative.
Aim
To compare the efficacy and safety of intrathecal morphine versus surgical-site local anesthetic infiltration combined with conventional analgesia following CS.
Methods
This prospective randomized controlled trial at Kibogora Level Two Teaching Hospital, Rwanda, assessed pain using visual analog scores (VAS) at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included analgesic consumption, adverse effects, ambulation, and hospital stay.