Postoperative analgesia and recovery course after major colorectal surgery in elderly patients: a randomized comparison between intrathecal morphine and intravenous PCA morphine.

Background And Objectives: Intrathecal morphine is a widely used method for postoperative pain relief after major abdominal surgery. The aim of this randomized, double-blinded study was to compare intrathecal morphine and intravenous PCA morphine for postoperative analgesia and recovery course after major colorectal surgery in elderly patients.

Methods: After written informed consent, patients >70 years of age were prospectively and randomly assigned to receive either preoperative intrathecal morphine (0.