The Use of Intrathecal Morphine in the Management of Acute Pain Following Decompressive Lumbar Spinal Surgery

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2015-02-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

The primary aim of this study is to assess the impact of intrathecal morphine on post-operative pain following instrumented fusion for degenerative lumbar spine disease. Secondary objectives of this study aim to assess side effects, overall narcotic use and duration of hospital stay following administration of intrathecal morphine.

Based on our literature review, we expect a significant improvement in pain scores and functional status and minimal side effects with the use of intrathecal morphine. With improved pain and function we would also expect shorter hospital stays in those patients receiving intrathecal morphine.

• Phase: Phase 4
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: University of Calgary
• Treatments: Morphine

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18yrs or older

• elective surgery for instrumented fusion of the lumbar spine for stenosis (< 5 levels)

• with back and/or leg pain

• patients who meet ASA class 1 or 2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients unable to speak english

• known allergies to morphine or other opioids

• spinal surgery other than lumbar spine surgery

• history of severe respiratory illness including COPD and asthma

• history of obstructive sleep apnea

• pregnancy

• lumbar procedures performed in minimally invasive fashion

• patients lacking mental capacity to use PCA

• patients on sustained release narcotics

• patients undergoing revision of previous instrumented lumbar spine surgery

• patients with psychiatric disorders.