Efficacy of fentanyl transdermal patch in pain control after lower third molar surgery: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical removal of impacted lower third molars is a common oral surgical procedure, generally followed by moderate to severe postoperative pain. Transdermal drug delivery as a concept offers interesting possibilities for postoperative pain control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transdermal system with fentanyl in relieving pain following impacted lower third molar surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with bilateral impacted lower third molars were included in this preliminary study. For postoperative pain control, patients randomly received a fentanyl patch plus placebo tablet after the first operation and regular (placebo) patch and an analgesic, after the second operation. Analgesia was evaluated during first 24 hours postoperatively according to patients' reports about time of first pain appearance and additional analgesic consumption. Pain severity was rated using a 10 cm long visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Intensity of postoperative pain and postoperative analgesic consumption were significantly lower after the Fentanyl Transdermal System (FTS) was applied (p<0.05). Duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly higher with FTS when compared to control treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this preliminary study, transdermal system with fentanyl significantly reduced postoperative pain after third molar surgery.

[Goals and scientific achievements of the Institute of Oncology]. / Stremljenja i strucno-naucna dostignuca Instituta za onkologiju.

The Institute of oncology represents an oncological center which renders the measures of prevention, early detection and diagnostic of tumours and multidisciplinary strategy for antitumour treatment, including rehabilitation of patients suffering from tumours. To fulfil the above mentioned aims the Institute is organized in ten completely operative units and several functional centres and committees. The paper presents only few aspects of diagnostic and treatment of tumour, and the implementation of the programmes and targets of individual organizational units within the Institute. This orientation is particularly actual now when epidemiological studies show an increase of disease and mortality incidence in the region of Vojvodina.