Gastric emptying: A study to compare the effects of intrathecal morphine and I.M. papaveretum analgesia

Abstract

Gastric emptying was studied in two groups of 10 patients who underwent elective cholecystectomy. The groups were comparable for age, weight and duration of operation. Gastric emptying was measured with a radioisotopic technique using Tc99 (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) before, and 24 h after, surgery. Analgesia was provided by intrathecal morphine 0.8 mg alone (group A) or by i.m. papaveretum 10 mg, administered as required, plus one additional dose 1 h before the postoperative measurement (group B). Control gastric emptying rates were not significantly different in the two groups (mean±SD: A = 76.6±23.0 ml; B = 81.8±16.3 ml in 30 min). After surgery, gastric emptying was significantly greater in group A (42.9±35.6 ml) than in group B (11.0±27.9 ml) (P < 0.05). © 1987 Copyright: 1987 British Journal of Anaesthesia.