The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Meta-analysis of epidural analgesia versus parenteral opioid analgesia after colorectal surgery. Br J Surg 2007; 94:665-673.

Published: 1st January 2007

Authors: Marret E, Remy C, Bonnet F.

Conclusion

Pooled data from 16 trials (806 patients) demonstrated that epidural analgesia reduced visual analogue pain scores and the duration of ileus (weighted mean difference -1.55 days; p<0.001). There was no effect on hospital stay (weighted mean difference 0.07 days; p=0.76).

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