Morphine delays discharge following ambulatory surgery: a prospective institutional study.

Introduction: Morphine is used regularly in day surgery despite its known side-effects. We assessed whether this delayed discharge.

Patients And Methods: 100 patients were divided into 2 groups: 50 patients received morphine and 50 patients received non-morphine analgesia. Demographic data and reasons for delayed discharge were recorded.

Results: 73% of all major cases received morphine compared to only 19% of minor cases. Operative and recovery times were significantly greater in the morphine group. 58% of patients given morphine had a delayed discharge compared to 14% of patients not given morphine.

Conclusions: Morphine use in day surgery is associated with increased operating and recovery times and higher rates of delayed discharge.