Observational Study on Patients Satisfaction during Epidural Anaesthesia, without Breakthrough Pain, in Patients Scheduled for Orthopaedic Surgery

Introduction: This study was undertaken to determine the level of patients’ satisfaction after epidural anaesthesia, without breakthrough pain, in patients scheduled for orthopaedic surgery. Epidural block is one of the regional anaesthesia that can be used in orthopeadic cases with prolonged duration of surgery.

Aim and Objectives: To study the intraoperative pain outcome and patients’ satisfaction during epidural anaesthesia with top up doses without breakthrough pain.

Methods: A prospective study of patients who underwent orthopaedic procedures under epidural block in the operating rooms of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, was carried out. Post-operatively, a proforma was filled for each of the participants to score their satisfaction on a Numerical Rating Scale regarding pain and discomfort during and after epidural anaesthesia and surgery. Other adverse reactions were documented. Patients’ satisfaction score was also documented.

Results: A total of 103 patients, with age ranging from 25 to 60 years, were recruited. Majority (102/99%) of the patients had their data well documented while remaining (1/0.9%) patient was excluded from the study for poor documentation. In all, satisfaction with epidural anaesthesia administration was observed in (95/93.1%) whereas (7/6.9%) patients were dissatisfied. Factors associated with dissatisfaction were prolonged onset time (2/1.9%) patients. Breakthrough pain in (1/0.9%) patients. Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) was observed in 1 (0.9%) patient. In addition, (92/90.2%) patients would opt for epidural anaesthesia in future for similar surgery, if situation demands for it, 10 (9.8%) patients would not.

Conclusion: The patients receiving epidural anaesthesia, without breakthrough pain, for orthopaedic surgery demonstrated a high rate of patients’ satisfaction.