The impact of a transversus abdominis plane block including clonidine vs. intrathecal morphine on nausea and vomiting after caesarean section: A randomised controlled trial.

Background: Intrathecal morphine (ITM) is a widely used technique for postcaesarean section analgesia but entails a high risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an alternative.

Objective: We tested the hypothesis that a TAP block including clonidine reduces the incidence of PONV after caesarean section when compared with ITM.

Development of a Simple Preoperative Risk Score for Persistent Pain After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

Objectives: Persistent postoperative pain is reported by 30% to 50% of patients following breast cancer surgery. Studies testing preventive measures, however, have so far failed to produce consistent positive results. If preventive measures could be targeted to a subgroup of patients at high risk of persistent pain, positive results would be more likely.

Prediction of Acute Postoperative Pain Following Breast Cancer Surgery Using the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire: A Cohort Study.

Objectives: Previous studies have indicated that preoperative pain sensitivity correlates with postoperative pain intensity, and thus may be used to predict severe postoperative pain. Self-rating of pain sensitivity using the "Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ)" may be an adjunct to these measures.

Methods: We tested the predictive ability of the PSQ as well as experimental parameters of pain sensitivity and other known risk factors for acute pain in 198 patients scheduled for breast cancer surgery.