THE INFLUENCE OF EFFECTIVE ANALGESIA AND GENERAL-ANESTHESIA ON PATIENTS ACCEPTANCE OF DAY CASE VARICOSE-VEIN SURGERY

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). Interpention: Locoregional and general anaesthesia. Non-opiate analgesia. Surgical treatment for varicose veins. Main outcome measures: Patient interview, pain scores, analgesia requirement. Results: Post operative pain was absent in 36% during the first 24 hours. Oral analgesia was given to 36% as in-patients 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.