5PSQ-036 Improvement in postoperative pain control by the introduction of elastomeric local anaesthesic levobupivacaine pumps in patients undergoing arthroplasty

Background and importanceIn order to improve pain control in patients undergoing arthroplasty, in March 2021 the Pain Management Unit introduced a new protocol that included the use of elastomeric levobupivacaine pumps administred in the adductor canal.Aim and objectivesTo evaluate the reduction of postoperative pain and the need for rescue analgesia after the introduction of elastomeric levobupivacaine pumps.Material and methodsStudy design: retrospective and quasi-experimental in a 254-bed regional hospital.Sample: all patients who underwent arthroplasty. Two study groups were established: PRE group (August 2020–February 2021) and POST group (March–September 2021).Variables: demographic data, anaesthetic risk according to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score at rest on the intervention day (day 0), VAS on day 1 at rest and on movement, and VAS on day 2 (discharge day) at rest and on movement, and need for rescue medication.Data were obtained from the paper nursing register and the patient’s electronic medical records. The statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS v19 and χ2 or Student’s test were applied according to the type of variable. A p value