Morphine infusions after pediatric cranial surgery: a retrospective analysis of safety and efficacy.

Introduction: Morphine infusions are avoided after cranial surgery in children due to concerns of masking neurological deterioration and because cranial surgery is considered less painful than other surgical procedures. Studies indicate that up to 60% of patients experience moderate to severe pain after craniotomies. Morphine has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of acute postoperative pain, yet codeine phosphate is commonly preferred as the standard treatment.