Despite advances in minimally invasive techniques, postoperative pain continues to limit recovery after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial (JAMA Surgery, 2025), intrathecal morphine (ITM; 3 µg/kg) added to transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) within an ERAS protocol significantly improved early postoperative recovery. Patients receiving ITM demonstrated higher QoR-15 scores at 24 hours , substantially l ower opioid consumption , and reduced postoperative nausea compared with placebo.
These benefits were offset by a higher incidence of pruritus, though no major safety concerns were identified. Overall, the study supports ITM as an effective adjunct in multimodal analgesia to enhance early recovery quality following laparoscopic colorectal surgery. To read more, Click here In laparoscopic colorectal surgery, what is the key benefit of…
