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The Effect of Epidural Steroids on Postoperative Pain and Hospital Stay in Patients Having a Single-Level Lumbar Discectomy


Article Information

Title: The Effect of Epidural Steroids on Postoperative Pain and Hospital Stay in Patients Having a Single-Level Lumbar Discectomy

Authors: Naseer Hassan, Raza Hassan, Muhammad Usman, Farooq Azam, Hanif Ur Rehman, Alamzeb Jadoon, Momina Saleem

Journal: Journal of Gandhara Medical and Dental Sciences (JGMDS)

HEC Recognition History
Category From To
Y 2024-10-01 2025-12-31
Y 2023-07-01 2024-09-30
Y 2022-07-01 2023-06-30
Y 2020-07-01 2021-06-30

Publisher: Gandhara University, Peshawar

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2023

Volume: 10

Issue: 3

Language: English

DOI: 10.37762/jgmds.10-3.452

Keywords: Postoperative painLumbar discectomyEpidural Steroids

Categories

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To determine the effect of Epidural steroids on postoperative pain and hospital stay in patients having a single-level lumbar discectomy.
METHODOLOGY
A quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Neurosurgery department, Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex, Nowshera.  Sixty patients with a mean age of 40.3±9.21 years were enrolled. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups: Group A patients were given intraoperative epidural methylprednisolone 80 mg, while Group B patients were given only normal saline. Pre- and post-operative pain was assessed after 6 hours, 12 hours and at the discharge time from the hospital. The duration of hospital stay was also noted.
RESULTSOut of 60 patients, 55.0% were male, and 45.0% were female, with an overall mean age of 40.3±9.21 years. The VAS score in Group A was 0.82±0.26 compared to 2.30±0.71 in group B (P <0.000). And at first follow-up, the VAS score was 0.13±0.05 and 1.25±0.33 in groups A and B, respectively.   The length of hospital stay was 1.39±0.44 and 1.98±2.50 in groups A and B, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Intra-operative epidural steroid is beneficial in reducing post-operative pain and hospital stay.


Research Objective

To determine the effect of epidural steroids on postoperative pain and hospital stay in patients undergoing a single-level lumbar discectomy.


Methodology

A quasi-experimental study involving 60 patients with a mean age of 40.3±9.21 years was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A received intraoperative epidural methylprednisolone (80 mg), and Group B received normal saline. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 6 hours, 12 hours, and at discharge. Hospital stay duration was also recorded. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.

Methodology Flowchart
                        graph TD
    A["Enroll 60 patients"] --> B["Divide into 2 groups"];
    B --> C["Group A: Epidural Methylprednisolone"];
    B --> D["Group B: Normal Saline"];
    C --> E["Perform Surgery"];
    D --> E;
    E --> F["Assess Postoperative Pain VAS"];
    E --> G["Record Hospital Stay Duration"];
    F --> H["Analyze Data SPSS"];
    G --> H;
    H --> I["Draw Conclusions"];                    

Discussion

Intraoperative epidural steroids appear to be beneficial in reducing postoperative pain and potentially shortening hospital stays for patients undergoing single-level lumbar discectomy. The findings align with other research indicating that epidural steroids can lead to lower pain scores and reduced hospital stays without significant complications.


Key Findings

Group A (epidural steroids) had significantly lower VAS scores for postoperative pain at 6 hours (0.82±0.26 vs. 2.30±0.71), 12 hours (0.13±0.05 vs. 1.25±0.33), and at discharge compared to Group B (normal saline). The mean hospital stay was shorter in Group A (1.39±0.44 days) compared to Group B (1.98±2.50 days), although this difference was not statistically significant. Patients in Group A also returned to work sooner.


Conclusion

Intraoperative use of epidural methylprednisolone following lumbar discectomy positively affects patients by reducing postoperative pain and the length of hospital stay.


Fact Check

* 60 patients were enrolled in the study. (Confirmed in Results section)
* The mean age of the patients was 40.3±9.21 years. (Confirmed in Results section)
* The mean hospital stay in Group A was 1.39±0.44 days, and in Group B was 1.98±2.50 days. (Confirmed in Results section)


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