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

Pain SoluTions In the Emergency Setting (PASTIES) – patient-controlled analgesia versus routine care in emergency department patients with non-traumatic abdominal pain: randomised trial. BMJ 2015; 350: h3147.

Published: 27th August 2015

Authors: Smith JE, Rockett M, Creanor S, Squire R, Hayward C, Ewings P et al.

Conclusion

Two hundred patients expected to be admitted to hospital with abdominal pain were included. Early use of the patient-controlled device reduced pain experienced over the first 12h (P=0.027), and improved patient satisfaction, although there was an increased chance of nausea.

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