The only downside of using exparel versus a pain pump is the potential cost. Both can provide additional effective pain relief in addition to oral medications.
Helloand thank you for your question. In my practice, I have tried both and prefer using the Exparel mixed with Marcaine. In my experience, the pain pump does not add any benefit, even if I use Marcaine alone. The potential downside to Exparel is if the surgeon only uses Exparel. It takes a while for the Exparel to start working, so if the surgeon only uses Exparel, I find the patient wakes up with discomfort. This is why I mix Marcaine, which acts immediately, with the Exparel. I get the patient of immediate acting local anesthetic of Marcaine with the longer acting Exparel. The best of both worlds. Hope this helps.
