Comparison of intravenous buprenorphine or fentanyl and epidural buprenorphine for pain relief after upper abdominal surgery
Yasuda, S.; Hiyama, A.; Shigematsu, T.; Kaneko, S.; Miyazawa, N.; Tabuchi, H.; Toyoda, Y.; Tatara, T.
Masui. Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology 39(4): 487-490
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4892 PMID: 2362343 Document Number: 361816
In three groups [(1) intravenous buprenorphine (0.1 mg) or (2) fentanyl (100 .mu.g .cntdot. hr-1) and (3) epidural injection of buprenorphine (0.1 mg diluted with 10 ml normal saline)], we determined the effects of postoperative pain relief in patients after upper abdominal surgery. There are no differences in postoperative analgesia in the three groups, but respiratory depression was seen in some patients who had intravenous buprenorphine or fentanyl. We conclude that epidural injection of buprenorphine is a useful method for postoperative analgesia because of little adverse effect. As respiratory depression caused by buprenorphine was reversed with naloxone, it is not necessary to employ fentanyl instead of buprenorphine.