Continuous epidural infusion of fentanyl for post operative pain relief

ABSTRACT

The effects of a continuous epidural administration of fentanyl on pain and ventilation were studied in 20 patients scheduled for upper abdominal surgery. In each subject epidural fentanyl was given by a bolus dose of 1 mug/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 1 mug/kg/h over 18 hours. Adequate pain relief was achieved in all patients during fentanyl administration. No significant change in ventilation was noted. These results suggested that a continuous infusion of fentanyl is a technique of analgesia that can provide adequate pain relief without ventilatory depression