Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass versus off-pump coronary artery bypass via median sternotomy: Is postoperative pain treatment in the intensive care unit different?

Background: An important goal of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) is to reduce postoperative pain. The aim of the study was to analyze postoperative pain treatment in patients after MIDCAB procedures in comparison with off-pump coronary bypass procedures via median sternotomy (OPCAB). Methods: A retrospective study was performed. The data of 19 consecutive patients undergoing MIDCAB and of 22 patients with OPCAB were analyzed. Results: Preoperative data of both groups were comparable. Pain treatment in the intensive care unit was similar between the to groups: average dosage of piritramide was 9.4 +/- 7.7 mg in MIDCAB vs. 9.3 +/- 6.9 mg in OPCAB, of pethidine 26.0 +/- 44.5 mg vs. 9.5 +/- 21.6 mg and of diclofenac 73.7 +/- 73.3 mg vs. 95.2 +/- 97.3 mg, respectively. The differences in pain treatment did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Pain treatment in the intensive care unit was between patients with MIDCAB and OPCAB procedures comparable.