Comparative analysis of different methods of anesthesia in patients with acute pancreatitis using pain scales

Aim. To conduct a comparative analysis of used anesthesia methods in patients with acute pancreatitis in intensive care units settings using pain scales.

Methods. Depending on the anesthesia type, 44 patients with acute pancreatitis were divided into three groups: the first group received intramuscular injections of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and spasmolytics, the second group - intramuscular injections of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid analgesics, the third group - epidural anesthesia with local anesthetics. Comparative analysis of pain character, intensity was conducted, its dynamics in patients of all groups amid anesthesia was evaluated using a visual analogue scale, verbal rating scale, verbal descriptor scale, McGill pain questionnaire.

Results. Baseline pain intensity in patients of all groups was high. Patients estimated this pain as «very strong». The time and the level of pain intensity reduction for various anesthesia types had differences. Pain syndrome was eliminated slower in patients of the second group. By the end of the 1st day, patients of this group continued to complain of «strong» pain. Pain intensity decreased only on the 2nd day - patients reported «moderate» pain. Pain syndrome was not completely eliminated in these patients for 2 days of anesthesia. 97.7% of patients reported that the visual analogue scale is the most acceptable pain assessment scale for them.

Conclusion. In patients with acute pancreatitis, the most optimal anesthesia types are intramuscular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with spasmolytics and prolonged epidural anesthesia with local anesthetics; intramuscular administration of opioid analgesics with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is less effective in relieving pain.