Post-operative Cesarean Trial of Pain Control

Double Blind Randomized Trial of Post-operative Cesarean Continuous Infusion of Bupivacaine Versus Placebo for Local Incisional Pain Control

This study plans to learn more about postoperative pain management after cesarean deliveries (C-sections). As a part of standard of care, the Children's Hospital Colorado's Colorado Fetal Care Center (CFCC) follows the standard Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean (ERAC) guidelines to manage pain following C-section delivery. In addition, the CFCC uses an FDA approved medical device called the ON-Q ® Pump, which continuously delivers local anesthetic medication to control pain in the area of your procedure. The local anesthetic used is bupivacaine, which is FDA approved for use to control local pain after C-sections. The CFCC has found a significant reduction in opioid use after adopting both of these procedures. The study aims to determine if the ERAC protocol or ON-Q ® Pump continuous infusion is responsible for lower opioid use by comparing bupivacaine (treatment) versus saline (placebo) groups.

270 ml of 0.5 % bupivacaine. The device being used is a fixed flow pump meaning the rate of 2 mL/hour. The pump is connected to the catheter and left in place for up to 4 post-operative days or until the completion of the infusion.

270 mL of normal saline. The device being used is a fixed flow pump meaning the rate of 2 mL/hour. The pump is connected to the catheter and left in place for up to 4 post-operative days or until the completion of the infusion.

The visual analog scale (VAS) is a validated, subjective measure for acute and chronic pain. Scores are recorded by making a handwritten mark on a 10-cm line that represents a continuum between "no pain" (score of 0) and "worst pain" (score of 100 [100-mm scale]).

The visual analog scale (VAS) is a validated, subjective measure for acute and chronic pain. Scores are recorded by making a handwritten mark on a 10-cm line that represents a continuum between "no pain" (score of 0) and "worst pain" (score of 100 [100-mm scale]).

The visual analog scale (VAS) is a validated, subjective measure for acute and chronic pain. Scores are recorded by making a handwritten mark on a 10-cm line that represents a continuum between "no pain" (score of 0) and "worst pain" (score of 100 [100-mm scale]).

The visual analog scale (VAS) is a validated, subjective measure for acute and chronic pain. Scores are recorded by making a handwritten mark on a 10-cm line that represents a continuum between "no pain" (score of 0) and "worst pain" (score of 100 [100-mm scale]).

The visual analog scale (VAS) is a validated, subjective measure for acute and chronic pain. Scores are recorded by making a handwritten mark on a 10-cm line that represents a continuum between "no pain" (score of 0) and "worst pain" (score of 100 [100-mm scale]).

The visual analog scale (VAS) is a validated, subjective measure for acute and chronic pain. Scores are recorded by making a handwritten mark on a 10-cm line that represents a continuum between "no pain" (score of 0) and "worst pain" (score of 100 [100-mm scale]).

The 10-item Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) measures depressive symptoms. It includes three sub-scales: anhedonia, anxiety and depression. Possible total scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating more depressive symptoms and a worse outcome.

Inclusion Criteria: Pregnant patients 18 years of age or older Patients undergoing both scheduled and unscheduled cesarean deliveries at CFCC Exclusion Criteria: Active substance abuse (ex methamphetamines) determined by patient report, toxin screen, or screening physician's determination Current treatment for chronic pain involving opiate receptor agonism or antagonism (i.e. suboxone, methadone, naltrexone, oxycodone) Contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia Known allergies to common anesthetic medications Inability to consent to study procedures Patient receiving general anesthesia