The Influence of Effective Analgesia and General Anaesthesia on Patients' Acceptance of Day Case Varicose Vein Surgery

Abstract

Objective:

To assess the efficacy of locoregional anaesthesia and non-opiate analgesia in controlling pain after varicose vein surgery. To examine patient attitudes to day case surgery for this condition.

Design:

Prospective single patient group study (22 consecutive patients).

Setting:

University College Hospital (Teaching Hospital).

Intervention:

Locoregional and general anaesthesia. Non-opiate analgesia. Surgical treatment for varicose

Main outcome measures:

Patient interview, pain scores, analgesia requirement.

Result:

Post operative Pain was absent in 36% during the first 24 hours. Oral analgesia was given to 36% as inpatients but only 18% after discharge. Before surgery, 95% would have preferred DCS but only 24% at six months. The after-effects of general anaesthesia was the main reason for this change in attitude.

Conclusions:

Patients would like day case surgery for varicose veins but anaesthesia and analgesia must be satisfactory.