Patient-Controlled Analgesia After Cardiac Surgery With Median Sternotomy: No Advantages of Hydromorphone When Compared to Morphine.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy, safety, and side effects of hydromorphone and morphine administered as patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for postoperative pain therapy after cardiac surgery with median sternotomy.

Design: A retrospective analysis of data from 2 prospective, single-blinded, randomized trials.

Setting: A single-center intensive care unit at a university hospital.