Pain pumps after tummy tuck
I have seen such a dramatic sifference in the way patients recuperate with the pain pump it is no longer optional I have included it as part of my OR supplies and built it into the price.
The patients are up and walking without significant pain. I have found at least a50-75% reduction in the amount of narcotics needed post-op. (Steven Schuster, MD, Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon)
Pain pumps are ineffective
“Pain pumps” should really be called “local anesthesia pumps.” Patient have enough pain already! They sound like a good idea, but studies show they don’t seem to be effective.
The cost more, are a hassle, and increase the risk of complications. I prefer to use a long-lasting local anesthetic at the time of surgery (bupivacaine).
This local anesthetic works in the tissue for many hours, possibly even a day, after surgery. I’ve attached a reference. (Eric Swanson, MD, Kansas City Plastic Surgeon)
Abdominoplasty recovery , pain pumps and tummy tuck healing
I prefer pain pumps. i think they work better when placed under the fascia or outer covering of the muscle. I think my patients get up faster and require less narcotic in the first few days but pain and healing differs from patient to patient (Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS, Orange County Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck – Are Pain Pumps for TT Recovery Really Worth the Extra Cost?
I have not found a high degree of pain among my patients, so I have not normally incorporated this into the post-procedure course. I have been able to manage the post-op period with some relatively mild narcotics and my patients are usually able to mobilize reasonably well even from an early stage. Obviously, plenty of surgeons use them, but – in my experience – it has not been necessary for an active and effective recovery. (Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Pain pumps have been shown in a controlled study not to make a difference.
As you can see, there is a difference of opinion. Actually, in a good controlled scientific study, pain pumps were shown to have no benefit. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
Pain Pumps and Abdominoplasty
I use pain pumps on all my abdominoplasties. I feel, if placed in the muscle sheath that is repaired during the surgery, will significantly diminish the amount of pain that the patient experiences post operatively. I have yet to have a patient the was not grateful for using one. The expense is minimal when considering the total expense of the procedure.
Not only do the pain pumps help with pain control, but they also allow one to move around more freely post operatively, which I believe diminishes other comorbid risks such as leg blood clots and pneumonia. (Wilfred Brown, MD, Fairfield Plastic Surgeon)
I offer pain pumps to all my abdominoplasty patients, but leave it up to them to make the choice. Here’s a great anecdote to answer your question. A few months ago I did a tummy tuck on a young woman and inserted a pain pump. They have enough medicine in them to last 4 1/2 days.She called the office in tears 3 days after surgery wanting more narcotics to handle the extreme pain. I explained it was unusual to need so much medicine when she had a pain pump. She told me she had so little pain after two days she decided she didn’t need a pain pump and so she removed it! (Ronald V. DeMars, MD, Portland Plastic Surgeon)
Pain pumps for tummy tucks
I do not use the pain pump. I prescribe narcotic medication and recommend significant restriction in activities for the initial postoperative period. I do have concern that anything that masks pain could result in overexertion on the part of the patient. The pain can be controlled by medication and my patient satisfaction rate is high. Abdominoplasty patients are highly motivated and tend to do extremely well postoperatively. (Robert L. Kraft, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
I do not use pain pumps. I agree that abdominoplasties are tough on a patient. i believe that the pain is a protective mechanism so you do not do too much immediately after surgery and injure some of the work that has been done. i prescribe narcotics and people seem to do ok after a couple of days. (Jonathan Saunders, MD, Newark Plastic Surgeon)
Pain pumps or not for tummy tucks
I personally don’t use pain pumps, just narcotic medicines and muscle relaxants. With good patient selection also, we have not seen the need for the extra expense and the patients all do fine. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)