Superiority Study for Pain Treatment After Cesarean

A Randomized Controlled Trial: Pain Management After Cesarean Section: Oxycodon vs. Intravenous Piritramide

The purpose of this study is to investigate adequate pain treatment for patients after cesarean. In this study oral opioids were compared to intravenous opioids as they are supposed to provide superior pain control.

Pain management after cesarean is an important topic for women. Pain during and after surgery is their greatest concern.

After surgery quick mobilization is important to take care of the newborn. When using a patient controlled analgesia (PCA) device mobilization is limited and women can not meet their expectations to take care of the newborn. Oral analgesia in comparison offers superior patient satisfaction.

This trial was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of both treatment options and improve patients pain management and overall content after cesarean.

Study participation was offered to all pts. aged > 18 years in labor and delivery for elective or unplanned secondary cesarean in the 37th or higher week of gestation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• cesarean in spinal anesthesia,
• no history of opioid or metamizol treatment
• written consent
• ability to use a Patient-controlled analgesia device

Exclusion Criteria:

• cesarean in general anaesthesia
• use of peridural catheter for pre-, peri- or post cesarean analgesia
• additional post cesarean metamizol use
• allergy/hypersensitivity to morphine, oxycodon, acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• chronic use of general anaesthesia
• history of known pain syndrome