Intrathecal Morphine Injection Versus Continuous Wound Infiltration After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

A single dose of intrathecal morphine is administered prior to induction of general anesthesia. The patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position on the bed and a 25 guage quincke spinal needle is inserted intrathecally at the L4/5 median or paramedian approach to administer 0.2 mg of morphine.

Prior to closure of the abdominal wall, a catheter is placed in the preperitoneal space lateral to the surgical incision through the tunneler. The catheter is connected to a prepared infusion pump (275 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine, 4 ml/hr/catheter), and the remaining catheter protruding from the abdomen is secured with a catheterization dressing. The preperitoneal catheter is removed in the afternoon of postoperative day 3.