Pain Score within Twenty-Four Hours Post-Endoscopic Ultrasonography: A Comparison Between with or without Fine Needle Aspiration Procedure

Abstract

AIMS: To compare the pain score within twenty-four hours post-endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) with or without fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedure in adult patients. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed the patients who underwent EUS procedures from January, 2009 to December, 2009. Pain score was compared by using verbal rating scale (VRS, 0-100) and pain rescued medications at 2, 6, 12, 18, 24 hours post-procedure. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four patients, 84 patients only with EUS procedure (group D) and 40 patients with EUS and FNA procedures (group F), were enrolled. All procedures were completed successfully. Sedative and analgesic agents in both groups were propofol, midazolam and fentanyl and were comparable the dose among the two groups. The mean procedural time in D and F was 39.8±19.1 and 60.6±26.0 minutes, respectively. Mean pain score at baseline and at 2, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours post-EUS was not significantly different between the two groups. Additionally, total dose of pethidine used for pain control after EUS procedure in both groups was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: EUS-induced abdominal pain is mild and mainly occurs within six hours after the procedure. Pain score within twenty-four hours after EUS with or without fine needle aspiration procedure is comparable.