Patient Controlled Regional Analgesia Following Carpal Tunnel Release: A Double-Blind Study Using Distal Perineural Catheters

Patient Controlled Regional Analgesia Following Carpal Tunnel Release: A Double-Blind Study Using Distal Perineural Catheters

This study was done with the primary aim of assessing the efficacy (as calculated by pain intensity difference) of patient controlled regional analgesia (PCRA) technique against oral analgesics, which has been the standard of care at our hospital. Secondary objectives were to analyze the volume and dose of LA that should be given, patient satisfaction and the long-term outcome for patients treated with the PCRA technique.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with clinically established carpel tunnel syndrome
• Surgery performed under local anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic pain requiring analgesics