Perioperative ketamine infusion is used to reduce postoperative pain, while perioperative lidocaine infusion reduces postoperative narcotic consumption, speeds recovery of intestines, improves fatigue and shortens hospital stays. However, researchers do not know if these drugs enhance acute functional recovery.
The study tested 64 women having an open hysterectomy who were anesthetized with sevoflurane, followed by patient-controlled morphine, and measured their six-minute walk distance on the second postoperative morning.
Researchers concluded that lidocaine or ketamine do not improve the six-minute walk distance on the second day.
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