An outcome study of patient-controlled morphine analgesia, with or without ketorolac, following radical retropubic prostatectomy.

PURPOSE

We compared the effects of postoperative pain control strategies on recovery after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The results in 22 consecutive patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy between 1993 and 1994 were evaluated. Pain control was achieved using morphine patient-controlled analgesia in 11 patients or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ketorolac in 11. Outcome measures were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The interval to return of bowel function, length of hospitalization and total hospital costs were significantly decreased in the ketorolac treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain control with ketorolac affords excellent analgesia while allowing for earlier recovery of bowel function, shorter hospitalization and lower overall costs in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy.