Methadone patient-controlled analgesia for postoperative pain: a randomized, controlled, double-blind study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative pain is an important health-care issue. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is considered the gold standard for systemic postoperative pain treatment. Methadone PCA is used for patients with chronic pain and those in the palliative care setting. However, its efficacy as a first-line drug for acute postoperative pain is unknown. This study evaluated the use of postoperative methadone PCA after total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared with morphine PCA. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel-group study. Patients were randomized into two groups: group methadone--methadone PCA, and group morphine--morphine PCA, for postoperative analgesia. Drugs were delivered through PCA pumps throughout the first 24 h after surgery (T1:6, T2:12, T3:18, T4:24 h). RESULTS: Opioid consumption in 24 h was significantly lower for group methadone than for group morphine. Group methadone patients experienced significantly less pain than group morphine at rest. Pain after movement was significantly lower in group methadone at T1 and T3 and marginally lower at T2 and T4. Adverse events more frequently reported were sleepiness, nausea, and vomiting, but no statistical difference between groups was found. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that methadone PCA prompted less opioid consumption and lower pain scores at rest and at motion in comparison with morphine PCA as postoperative analgesia after THA.

Cutaneous Application of Silicone Wafers Containing Carbon Microcoils: Efficacy in Relieving Chronic Muscle Tension and Pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent worldwide. PRIMARY STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Helical(®) microcoils, a new, noninvasive treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain. DESIGN: This was a prospective, observational study. SETTING: The study was conducted at the main author's private clinic, in São Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: We evaluated 20 physicians, from 2 different hospitals, who suffered from chronic musculoskeletal pain and volunteered to participate in the study. INTERVENTION: The Helical(®) microcoils were applied to the skin over the affected areas. Before and after the intervention, the physician-patients completed questionnaires and a visual analog scale. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: We quantified postintervention improvement or worsening of pain and muscle tension. RESULTS: Significant improvements in pain and muscle tension were observed in 95% of the physician-patients evaluated. The only side effect reported was mild pruritus at the application site, which occurred in 5 of the 20 cases. CONCLUSION: The use of Helical microcoils was found to be safe and efficacious in relieving muscle tension and pain.