Skin abscess after the use of transdermal buprenorphine. Case report / Abscesso cutâneo após o uso de buprenorfina transdérmica. Relato de caso

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Buprenorphine is a partial agonist semi-synthetic opioid used as an option in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe pain. The only presentation of buprenorphine available in Brazil is for transdermal use. This is an important route of drug administration, especially for the treatment of chronic pain, as it has several advantages, however it is not free from complications. The objective of this study was to present a serious adverse skin reaction after the use of transdermal buprenorphine, requiring surgical intervention. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 63 years old, hypertensive and diabetic, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia syndrome and lumbar disc herniation, with severe chronic pain, advised to use transdermal buprenorphine 10 mg to help control algic. After 24 hours of use, the patient developed erythema and local itching, requiring removal of the adhesive, but the lesion progressively worsened with the formation of an abscess and the need for surgical drainage. CONCLUSION: Transdermal buprenorphine has a favorable safety and tolerability profile, as it reduces the risk of unwanted effects such as respiratory depression, constipation and suicidal ideation. However, its use in senior patients with comorbidities, such as the immunosuppression described in this case, requires greater vigilance, due to the possibility of developing more serious adverse reactions.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A buprenorfina é um opioide agonista parcial semissintético utilizado como opção no tratamento de pacientes com dor de moderada a intensa. A única apresentação disponível da buprenorfina no Brasil é para uso por via transdérmica. Esta é uma via importante de administração de fármacos, principalmente para o tratamento de dor crônica, já que apresenta diversas vantagens, no entanto não é isenta de complicações. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar uma reação cutânea adversa grave após o uso de buprenorfina transdérmica, com necessidade de intervenção cirúrgica. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 63 anos, hipertensa e diabética, com diagnósticos de artrite reumatoide, síndrome fibromiálgica e hérnia de disco lombar, portadora de dor crônica intensa, com orientação de utilizar buprenorfina transdérmica 10 mg para auxiliar o controle álgico. Após 24 h de uso, a paciente evoluiu com eritema e prurido local, sendo indicada a remoção do adesivo, porém a lesão piorou progressivamente com formação de abscesso e necessidade de drenagem cirúrgica. CONCLUSÃO: A buprenorfina transdérmica apresenta um perfil favorável de segurança e tolerabilidade, pois reduz o risco de efeitos indesejados, como depressão respiratória, constipação e ideação suicida. No entanto, seu uso em pacientes idosos portadores de comorbidades, como a imunossupressão descrita no caso, exige maior vigilância, devido à possibilidade de desenvolvimento de reações adversas mais graves.

Analgesia postoperatoria para craneotomías en pediatría: experiencia en un Hospital de Tercer Nivel / Postoperative analgesia for craniotomies in pediatrics: experience in a Third Level Hospital

Resumen: Introducción: Existe la creencia de que los pacientes no experimentan dolor intenso después de cirugía intracraneal. La estimulación simpática secundaria a dolor puede ocasionar hipertensión intracraneal y sangrado postoperatorio. Es controvertido el uso de opioides para analgesia postcraneotomías por temor a sus efectos colaterales que pueden enmascarar signos de alteración neurológica. En pediatría hay estudios limitados. Objetivo: Describir el nivel de control del dolor postcraneotomías al usar buprenorfina ketorolaco y ondansetrón en pacientes pediátricos. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte descriptivo. Incluimos niños de 0-17 años programados para cirugía intracraneal electiva. Para el control del dolor se administró buprenorfina, ketorolaco y ondansetrón en infusión por 30 horas. Se investigó dolor al iniciar la infusión a las cuatro, ocho, 12, 24 y 30 horas; variables hemodinámicas y grado de sedación. Resultados: 109 pacientes fueron incluidos. Se observó adecuado control del dolor en 71.56%, 28.4% tuvo control insuficiente con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p < 0.001). Hubo sedación moderada en 5.6% iniciando la infusión y a las 24 horas (4.5%) sin repercusión hemodinámica. Se detectó náusea en 8.2% y vómito en 6.64%; no se presentó sedación profunda, ni depresión respiratoria. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos sugieren que es una opción efectiva para tratar el dolor postcraneotomías en pediatría.

Abstract: Introduction: There is still a belief that patients do not experience intense pain after intracranial surgery. Sympathetic stimulation associated with pain can lead to elevated intracranial pressure and postoperative haemorrhage. There is controversy about the use of opioids for postoperative analgesia in craniotomies, owing to fear of its side effects, which can mask signs of neurological alteration. There are limited studies in the pediatric patient for post-craniotomy analgesia. Objective: To describe the postcraneotomies pain control level, using buprenorphine in partnership with ketorolac and ondansetron in pediatric patients. Methods: Descriptive cohort study. For postoperative pain control, patients were given continuous infusion buprenorphine, ketorolac and ondansetron for 30 hours. The main variables to investigate were pain at beginning of infusion, at four, eight, 12, 24 and 30 hours, hemodynamic variables and depth of sedation. Results: 109 patients were included. Adequate control of pain was observed in 71.56% of patients, whereas in 28.4% insufficient control was found, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). There was moderate sedation in 5.6% of the patients at the start of infusion and at 24 hours (4.5%), without significant impact on hemodynamic variables. Nausea was found in 8.2% and vomiting in 6.64%. No deep sedation, or respiratory depression was presented. Conclusions: These findings suggest that is an effective option to treat postcraneotomy pain in pediatric patients.

Eficacia terapéutica de la buprenorfina para tratamiento de dolor agudo postoperatorio en cirugía torácica por toracoscopía / Therapeutic efficacy of buprenorphine for treatment of acute postoperative pain in thoracic surgery by thoracoscopy

Resumen: Introducción: El dolor postoperatorio en toracoscopía tiene una incidencia del 80%. Estos procedimientos se realizan bajo anestesia general o sedoanalgesia. La buprenorfina en dosis de 4 μg/kg o más es un fármaco pilar para el tratamiento de dolor postoperatorio; sin embargo, dosis menores pueden ser suficientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue demostrar que dosis de 1-3 μg/kg de buprenorfina aporta una adecuada analgesia con menores efectos adversos durante el postoperatorio en pacientes sometidos a cirugía toracoscópica. Material y métodos: Se realizó el estudio prospectivo, transversal y doble ciego en 48 pacientes sometidos a toracoscopía, divididos en 3 grupos: A (1 μg/kg), B (2 μg/kg) y C (3 μg/kg) tratados con buprenorfina, se evaluaron efectos adversos, intensidad de dolor por escala verbal numérica (EVN) y sedación con escala de agitación-sedación de Richmond (RASS) de los 0 a los 120 minutos postanestesia. Resultados: Las dosis de 1 a 3 μg/kg de buprenorfina no ocasionaron efectos adversos. El mantenimiento de analgesia es mayor con 2 μg/kg (p = 0.019) y 3 μg/kg (p = 0.045). Las dosis de 1 y 2 μg/kg presentan un nivel de sedación menor. Conclusiones: La analgesia multimodal disminuyó un 200% el dolor postquirúrgico inmediato. Las dosis de 2-3 μg/kg de buprenorfina son efectivas para el control del dolor con menor incidencia de efectos adversos y un nivel de sedación superficial durante el postoperatorio.

Abstract: Introduction: Posterior pain in thoracoscopy has an 80% incidence. These procedures are done under general anesthesia or sedoanalgesia. The buprenorphin in dosage of 4 μg/kg it's the foundation for post-operatory pain treatment, nevertheless, smaller dosage can be sufficient. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that a dosage of buprenorphin from 1-3 μg/kg provides suitable analgesia with less side effects during post-operatory in patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery. Material and methods: We conducted a double-blind, prospective, transversal study, in 48 patients which underwent a thoracoscopy divided in 3 groups: A (1 μg/kg), B (2 μg/kg), and C (3 μg/kg) treated with buprenorphin. We studied side effects, pain intensity (NVE), and sedative effect (RASS) from 0 to 120 minutes postanesthesia. Results: Dosage from 1 to 3 μg/kg did not generate side effects. The analgesia effect is higher with 2 μg/kg (p = 0.019) and 3 μg/kg (p = 0.045). Dosage of 1 and 2 μg/kg have lower sedative effect. Conclusion: The multimodal analgesia was diminished by 200% inmidiate postsurgical pain. Dosage from 2-3 μg/kg of buprenorphine are effective for pain control with less side effects and a superficial sedative effect during post-operatory.

Exploración de la eficacia analgésica de dos parches transdérmicos analgésicos de opioides, buprenorfina y fentanilo, según sus variaciones de dosis en el control del dolor en pacientes paliativos oncológicos / Exploration of the analgesic efficacy of two-transdermal analgesic patches of opioids, buprenorphine and fentanyl, according to their dose variations in pain control in palliative cancer patients

Objetivo: El presente trabajo de investigación tuvo como objetivo explorar la eficacia analgésica mediante la comparación de la respuesta analgésica de los parches transdérmicos (PTD) de buprenorfina y fentanilo en dolor oncológico y patrón de uso. Material y Método: Se obtuvieron los datos y variables desde los registros clínicos de pacientes ingresados a la Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos (UCP) del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (INC) que estaban bajo tratamiento en mayo del 2017. Se incluyó en este estudio a 78 pacientes con PTD, que representan el 13% de los pacientes en control mensual. De estos, 66 estaban bajo tratamiento con buprenorfina y 8 bajo tratamiento con fentanilo. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que el PTD de buprenorfina se utiliza más frecuentemente que el de fentanilo. El principal motivo de rotación fue dolor no controlado, seguido por imposibilidad de contar con la administración por vía oral. En pacientes con mayores intensidades de dolor somático o visceral se indicó fentanilo y en aquellos con componente neuropático se prefirió el uso de buprenorfina. PTD de fentanilo fue indicado en dosis mayores que buprenorfina, incluso al comparar sus dosis equianalgésicas, siendo la variación de dosis alta para ambos parches: aumentó en promedio 257%. Se logró una mejor respuesta analgésica con buprenorfina, con una variación de intensidad de escala numérica verbal (ENV) de 2,94 y 1,88 puntos de promedio para buprenorfina y fentanilo, respectivamente. Adicionalmente, se presentó mayor reacción local dérmica con fentanilo. Conclusiones: Se evidenció diferencias en patrón de uso y, a diferencia de lo esperado, se obtuvo una mejor eficacia analgésica con buprenorfina. Datos que deben ser corroborados en estudios con mayor número de pacientes bajo tratamiento con fentanilo.

Objective: This study aims to explore analgesic efficacy comparisons of buprenorphine and fentanyl transdermal patches (TDP) in cancer pain and it's usage pattern. Material and Method: Data and variables were collected from patient's clinical reports who were admitted in the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Palliative Care Unit (PCU) and were under treatment with TDP in May 2017. 78 TDP patients were studied and represented 13% of the monthly control patients in the PCU. Of these, 66 were under buprenorphine treatment and 8 under fentanyl treatment. Results: The results showed that buprenorphine TDP is more frequently used than fentanyl TDP, and the main reason for exchange between them was uncontrolled pain, followed by oral administration impossibility. Fentanyl TDP was indicated in patients with higher somatic or visceral pain intensities and Buprenorphine TDP was preferred in patients with neuropathic pain. Fentanyl TDP was indicated in higher doses than buprenorphine, even when comparing its equianalgesic doses, the dose variation was high for both patches throughout the treatment: it increased on average by 257%. A better analgesic response was achieved with buprenorphine, with a variation of intensity of the Verbal Numerical Scale (VNS) of 2.94 and 1.88 average points, for buprenorphine and fentanyl respectively. Additionally, there was a higher local dermal reaction with fentanyl TDP. Conclusions: Differences in usage patterns were evidenced and, unlike what was expected, better analgesic efficacy was obtained with buprenorphine TDP. This data should be corroborated in receiving fentanyl treatment.

Transdermal buprenorphine for acute postoperative pain: a systematic review / Uso da buprenorfina transdérmica na dor aguda pós-operatória: revisão sistemática

Background and objectives: Postoperative pain is still a major concern in several surgical procedures. Multimodal analgesia is best for postoperative pain management; however, opioid therapy is still the main treatment for pain after surgical procedures. Transdermal buprenorphine is a partial µ-agonist opioid widely used for chronic pain syndromes, with limited evidence for acute postoperative pain. A systematic review of studies examining transdermal buprenorphine for acute pain management after surgery was conducted. Contents: Data from PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL via EBSCOhost, and LILACS were reviewed, including randomized clinical trials that evaluated total postoperative pain, postoperative analgesic consumption, drug-related side effects and patient satisfaction with analgesia regimen. Data from nine studies (615 patients) were included in this review. Most studies initiated transdermal buprenorphine use 6 to 48 hours before surgery, maintaining use from 1 to 28 days after the procedure. Most studies showed lower or similar postoperative pain scores, postoperative analgesic consumption and patient satisfaction comparing buprenorphine to placebo, tramadol, celecoxib, flurbiprofen and parecoxib. The incidence of side effects varied between studies, with most showing no increase in drug-related side effects with buprenorphine use, except one study, which compared buprenorphine to oral tramadol, and one to transdermal fentanyl. However, most results were derived from evidence with an overall high or unclear risk of bias. Conclusions: Although more studies are necessary, initial results show that transdermal buprenorphine seems to be an effective and safe opioid choice for management of acute postoperative pain

Justificativa e objetivos: A dor pós-operatória ainda é uma queixa importante em vários procedimentos cirúrgicos. A analgesia multimodal é a melhor conduta para a dor pós-operatória, embora a terapia com opioides ainda seja o principal tratamento para a dor após procedimentos cirúrgicos. A buprenorfina transdérmica é um opioide agonista µ amplamente prescrito nas síndromes de dor crônica, mas com limitada evidência do seu uso para dor aguda no pós-operatório. Realizamos revisão sistemática de estudos que examinaram o papel da buprenorfina transdérmica no tratamento da dor aguda pós-operatória. Conteúdo: Revisamos os dados de PubMed, Embase, Registro Central de Ensaios Controlados Cochrane (CENTRAL), CINAHL via EBSCOhost e LILACS, incluindo estudos clínicos randomizados que avaliaram a dor pós-operatória total, consumo de analgésicos pós-operatórios, efeitos colaterais relacionados a medicamentos e satisfação do paciente com esquema de analgesia. Dados de nove estudos (615 pacientes) foram incluídos nesta revisão. A maioria dos estudos iniciou o uso transdérmico de buprenorfina 6 a 48 horas antes da cirurgia, mantendo o uso de 1 a 28 dias após o procedimento. A maioria dos estudos encontrou valores semelhantes ou menores para o escore de dor pós-operatória, consumo pós-operatório de analgésicos e satisfação do paciente quando a buprenorfina foi comparada ao placebo, tramadol, celecoxibe, flurbiprofeno e parecoxibe. A incidência de efeitos colaterais oscilou nos estudos, e a maioria não mostrou aumento de efeito colateral relacionado ao uso de buprenorfina, exceto em dois estudos, um que comparou buprenorfina ao tramadol oral e outro ao fentanil transdérmico. No entanto, a maioria dos resultados foi obtida a partir de evidências com um risco geral alto ou risco de viés impreciso. Conclusões: Embora sejam necessários mais estudos, os resultados iniciais mostram que a buprenorfina transdérmica parece ser uma forma de administração segura e efetiva de opioide no tratamento da dor aguda pós-operatória

Efectividad del cambio de tratamiento desde Metadona a Buprenorfina/Naloxona en dependientes a opiáceos, Bilbao - España / Effectiveness of treatment change from methadone to Buprenorphine / Naloxone in opiate dependents, Bilbao - Spain

A nivel mundial la dependencia a opiáceos es un problema vigente, y los pacientes afectados por esta condición requieren programas de tratamiento sustitutivo farmacológico, que utilizan tradicionalmente Metadona. Actualmente, existe debate sobre el hecho de que la Buprenorfina/Naloxona podria ser utilizada como un reemplazo adecuado del fármaco tradicional. Las investigaciones aún no son totalmente concluyentes, faltando estudios que prueben los resultados en la práctica clínica. Objetivos: Determinar la efectividad del tratamiento con Buprenorfina/Naloxona como reemplazo de la metadona en pacientes dependientes de opiáceos tratados en un Módulo de Asistencia Psicosocial en la ciudad de Bilbao, España. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, cuantitativo, longitudinal, prospectivo, con 21 pacientes dependientes de opiáceos que formaban parte del Programa de mantenimiento con Metadona con dosis inferiores o iguales a 40 mg/día, en quienes se sustituyó ese tratamiento por el de Buprenorfina/Naloxona (8mg/2mg) siguiendo para esto los criterios de la Guía para el tratamiento de la adicción a opiáceos con Buprenorfina/Naloxona de la Sociedad Científica Española de estudios sobre alcohol, el alcoholismo y otras toxicomanías del 2010. Resultados: Después de tres meses de cambio de terapéutica a Buprenorfina/Naloxona se evidencio una reducción estadísticamente significativa en el consumo de opiáceos ilegales, medido a través de los controles de substancias en orina desde un promedio de 2,67 controles positivos con metadona, a 2,24 controles con Buprenorfina/Naloxona. La adherencia, se mantuvo similar a la previa, presentando además una retención del 100% de los pacientes. La calidad de vida, medida con el Test TECVASP, presento una mejora estadísticamente significativa, desde una puntuación de 76,76 cuando recibían Metadona (DE 6,41) hasta 90,33 (DE 5,77 ) con la nueva terapéutica. Conclusiones: Cambiar la terapia de mantenimiento con Metadona, en pacientes dependientes de opioides, por buprenorfina/naloxona es una buena opción, ya que tiene una efectividad similar en términos de adherencia y retención, y produce una mayor reducción en el uso de opiáceos ilegales, al tiempo que mejora la calidad de vida del paciente.

At the global level, opioid dependence is an ongoing problem, and patients with this condition require pharmacological substitution treatment programs, which traditionally use methadone. Currently there is debate over whether Buprenorphine / Naloxone could be used as a suitable replacement for the traditional drug. The investigations are not yet totally conclusive, lacking studies that prove the results in the clinical practice. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of treatment with Buprenorphine / Naloxone as a replacement for Methadone in opioid dependent patients treated in a Psychosocial Assistance Module in the city of Bilbao, Spain. Methods: A quasi-experimental, quantitative, longitudinal, prospective study was conducted with 21 opioid-dependent patients that were part of the maintenance program with Methadone at doses lower than or equal to 40 mg / day, in which treatment was replaced by that of Buprenorphine / Naloxone (8 mg/2 mg) following for this the criteria of the Guide for the treatment of the addiction to opiates with Buprenorphine / Naloxone of the Spanish Scientific Society of studies on alcohol, alcoholism and other drug addictions of 2010. Results: After a three-month change in therapy to Buprenorphine / Naloxone, a statistically significant reduction in illegal opioid use was observed, measured through urine substance controls from an average of 2.67 methadone-positive controls 2.24 controls with Buprenorphine / Naloxone. The Adherence remained similar to the previous one, presenting a retention of 100% of the patients. Quality of life, measured with the TECVASP test, showed a statistically significant improvement, from a score of 76.76 when receiving Methadone (DE 6.41) to 90.33 (DE 5.77) with the new therapy. Conclusions: Changing maintenance therapy with methadone, in opioid-dependent patients, by buprenorphine/naloxone is a good option, because it has a similar effectiveness in terms of adherence and retention, and produces a greater reduction in the use of illegal opiates, and the same time improves the quality of life of the patient.

Efeitos antinociceptivos e sedativos da buprenorfina, da acepromazina ou da associação buprenorfina e acepromazina em gatos / Antinociceptive and sedative effects of buprenorphine, acepromazine, or combination of both, in conscious cats

O efeito antinociceptivo da buprenorfina tem sido relatado em cães e gatos. No presente estudo, avaliou-se o limiar nociceptivo mecânico em felinos tratados com buprenorfina, acepromazina ou ambas associadas e foram comparados os efeitos antinociceptivos e sedativos da associação em relação ao uso isolado desses fármacos determinados pelo mesmo observador, por meio de analgesiômetro e da escala analógica visual dinâmica interativa (DIVAS), respectivamente. Os oito animais empregados no estudo foram previamente familiarizados com os procedimentos utilizados. Após quatro mensurações basais, foram administrados, por via intramuscular, 0,02mg kg-1 de buprenorfina, 0,06mg kg-1 de acepromazina ou 0,01mg kg-1 de buprenorfina associada a 0,03mg kg-1 de acepromazina, em um estudo cego, com delineamento em quadrado latino e tratamento semanal. Os efeitos antinociceptivos e sedativos foram avaliados aos 15, 30, 45 minutos e uma, duas, três, quatro, seis, oito e 12 horas após a administração do tratamento. O limiar nociceptivo mecânico se elevou significativamente apenas no grupo tratado com a associação buprenorfina-acepromazina (entre 45 minutos e uma hora). Em relação à sedação, nos grupos tratados com acepromazina e com a associação, os valores da DIVAS foram significativamente maiores, respectivamente, de 15 minutos até quatro horas e de 15 minutos até três horas pós-tratamento, não apresentando elevação desses valores com a buprenorfina. Concluiu-se que não foi possível verificar a superioridade da neuroleptoanalgesia em relação ao uso dos fármacos isoladamente.

The antinociceptive effects of buprenorphine have been reported in dogs and cats. This study evaluated changes in the mechanical nociceptive threshold and the sedative effects of buprenorphine, acepromazine and its combination in cats, determined by the same observer using a nociceptive threshold testing device and DIVAS, respectively. Eight animals were previously conditioned to the procedures. After four baseline measurements, 0.02mg kg-1 of buprenorphine, 0.06mg.kg-1 of acepromazine, or 0.01mg kg-1 of buprenorphine with 0.03mg kg-1 of acepromazine were administered intramuscularly in a blinded and experimental study using a Latin square design within a one week interval between treatments. The antinociceptive and sedative effects were evaluated at 15, 30, 45 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 hours post treatment. The nociceptive threshold increased significantly only after the combination buprenorphine-acepromazine (between 45 minutes and 1 hour). Regarding sedation, the use of acepromazine and the combination of both were associated with significantly higher DIVAS values from 15 minutes to 4 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours post treatment, respectively. No increase in these values was noted with the use of buprenorphine. It was concluded that it could not be verified the superiority of neuroleptanalgesia over the use of drugs alone.

Buprenorfina en el manejo de dolor por cáncer / The Use of Buprenorphine to Control Cancer Pain

Actualmente los opioides son el soporte del manejo farmacológico, en particular del dolor moderado a severo. En este sentido, es importante disponer de distintas formulaciones y vías de administración, aún más en el contexto del paciente oncológico. La buprenorfina tiene un bajo peso molecular, de alta potencia y liposolubilidad combinada a una favorable tolerabilidad y un bajo potencial de abuso. Por dichas razones la buprenorfina es ideal para aplicación transdérmica. La evidencia clínica disponible demuestra eficacia y seguridad en el empleo de la buprenorfina transdérmica en el tratamiento de dolor de moderado a severo en el paciente oncológico. Sin embargo, la buprenorfina no ha sido extensamente estudiada en ciertas poblaciones como otros opioides y se requieren nuevas investigaciones para definir el rol de esta en circunstancias clínicas específicas.

Opiods are the current pharmalogical remedies of choice for the control of moderate to severe pain. Subsequently, it is important to rely on a number of prescriptions and applications for these drugs, particularly in the case of oncological patients. Low molecular weight, high potency and liposolubility of buprenorphine combine with its favorable tolerance and low abuse probability. Clinical evidence reveals that the use of transdermal buprenorphine in the treatment of moderate to severe pain in oncological patients is effective and safe. However, buprenorphine has not been widely studied among certain populations, as have other opiods, thus making further research necessary in order to define its role under specific clinical circumstances.

Uso de agonistas de los receptores opiáceos en anestesia epidural / Use of agonists opiate receptors in epidural anesthesia

A partir de 1981 se ha venido ensayando la administración de opiáceos epidurales e intratecales con bastante éxito según reportes de la literatura, con complicaciones mínimas y previsibles. Este es el motivo por el cual presentamos este estudio comparativo de dos grupos de 20 pacientes cada uno con clasificación ASA I y ASA II intervenidos de cirugías de hemiabdomen inferior en las especialidades de Cirugía General, Ginecología y Urología. En grupo I recibió una dosis de anestésico local + Buprenorfina 0,2-0,3mg por vía epidural y el grupo II recibió una dosis de anestesia y analgesia, necesidad mínima de drogas transoperatorias, complicaciones trans y postoperatorias manejables por el anestesiólogo; sin embargo, el grupo I tuvo una analgesia postoperatoria más prolongada que el grupo II sometidos a cirugía de hemi-abdomen inferior ofrecen seguridad en el procedimiento sobre todo con el uso de Buprenorfina cuyo efecto analgésico es más prolongado.

Epidural and intraspinal narcotics have been successfully used since 1981. Literature reports that potential complications are minimal and serious side effects are rare, for this reason we present the following comparative study between two narcotic drugs administered by epidural route and local anesthetics in order to produce surgical anesthesia. 40 classifed Physical state ASA I, ASA II patients were chosen and divided into two groups of 20 patients each one. They had elective lower abdominal surgery in Gynecology – Urology and General surgical areas. Both groups received a single dose of local anesthetic by epidural route. Group I was administered buprenorfine 0,2 – 0,3mg and group II was adicionally given Nalbufine 5mg. results showed that anesthesia and analgesia were excellent, other transoperatory drugs were not needed and the complications were handled by anesthesiologists in good performance; however, Group I had longer analgesia in potoperatory period than group II. We concluded that opiates administered by epidural route are safe and offer prolongued postoperatory pain relief specially with buprenorfine.