Fentanyl Versus Ondansetron for Shivering Prevention in Cesarean Section: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The incidence of postoperative shivering (PS) following intrathecal anesthesia is a common complication, with potential negative impacts on patient outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intrathecal fentanyl versus intravenous ondansetron in preventing post-spinal anesthesia shivering in cesarean section patients. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from July 2021 to April 2023, involving pregnant women scheduled for cesarean section under intrathecal anesthesia. The participants were divided into three groups: group F received intrathecal fentanyl (15 µg) with spinal anesthesia, while group O received intravenous ondansetron (8 mg) added to the usual saline solution. The control group (group C) received only intravenous fluid before spinal anesthesia and intrathecal bupivacaine without fentanyl. Shivering occurrences were observed and recorded during the procedure. KEY RESULTS: The incidence of shivering was significantly lower in the fentanyl and ondansetron groups compared to the control group (p=0.0123). Both intrathecal fentanyl and intravenous ondansetron administration showed effectiveness in reducing shivering during spinal anesthesia. CONCLUSION: The administration of intrathecal fentanyl and intravenous ondansetron significantly reduced the occurrence of shivering during spinal anesthesia in cesarean section patients. This study contributes to advancing knowledge in the field by providing evidence of the preventative effects of these medications on post-spinal anesthesia shivering.

The effect of two groups of intrathecal fentanyl doses on analgesic outcomes and adverse effects in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis.

BACKGROUND: Variable doses of intrathecal fentanyl (ITF) have been used for peri-operative analgesia during cesarean delivery (CD). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare lower doses (LD; ≤12.5 µg) and higher doses (HD; >12.5 µg) of ITF in parturients undergoing CD. METHODS: Databases were searched from inception to December 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) administering ITF as an additive to local anesthetic. The primary outcome was the use of intra-operative analgesic supplementation. Time to first rescue analgesia, the incidence of peri-operative side effects and neonatal outcomes were secondary outcomes. Additional analysis was performed after stratifying trials using ≤15 µg and >15 µg of ITF. Mean difference (MD) and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs met inclusion criteria. Study groups were 601 patients (LD) and 749 patients (HD). A HD of ITF reduced the risk for supplementation by 6% (95% CI 0 to 13%; P=0.05; I2=80%) compared with LD, and increased the time to first rescue analgesia (MD 55.2 min, 95% CI 20.3 to 90.1, P=0.002; I2=100%). The risk of pruritus increased by 13% (95% CI 5 to 21%; P=0.001; I2=81%). Pooled data suggest that the incidence of nausea and vomiting, and neonatal outcomes did not significantly differ. CONCLUSIONS: In women undergoing CD, doses of ITF >12.5 µg reduced the requirement for intra-operative analgesic supplementation and prolonged the time to first rescue analgesia compared with smaller doses, but increased pruritus. On revising the cut-off to 15 µg, no significant difference was found.

Comparative Study of the Analgesic Efficacy of Intrathecal Fentanyl with Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block after Lower Segment Cesarean Section.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to compare the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal fentanyl with ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block after lower segment cesarean section. The objectives of the study were to compare the effects of subarachnoid fentanyl versus TAP block with respect to duration of postoperative analgesia, time for first analgesic request, total analgesic consumption in 24 h, time to first breastfeed and Apgar score at 1 and 5 min. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients undergoing elective or emergency cesarean delivery were recruited for the study in a prospective, randomized, single-blind manner. The patients were randomly allocated to either intrathecal fentanyl group (Group F) or TAP block group (Group T) after determining the eligibility criteria. Group F patients received subarachnoid block with 10 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine heavy with 25 mcg of fentanyl. Group T patients received subarachnoid block with 10 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine heavy prior to surgery and at the end of surgery, they received TAP block with 0.25% bupivacaine 20 mL on each side. RESULTS: Group T had significantly longer time for the first analgesic request (7.65 ± 1.23 h) than group F (4.10 ± 0.32 h). The total analgesic consumption in 24 h was significantly less in Group T (1.0 ± 0) than Group F (2.13 ± 0.34). The Visual Analogue Scale scores at rest and on movement were significantly less in Group T than Group F at all-time points. The Apgar score at 1 and 5 min and time to first breast feed were comparable between the two groups. The incidence of side effects was less in Group T. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that ultrasound-guided TAP block has a better analgesic as well as safety profile compared to intrathecal fentanyl for cesarean delivery.

Impact of Intrathecal Fentanyl on Hospital Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty With Neuraxial Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal opioids have been used to reduce pain after total joint arthroplasty; however, the utility of these drugs is disputed. We examined the impact of eliminating intrathecal fentanyl on outcomes for patients undergoing direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Retrospective review of 376 THA patients from a single institution was conducted. Univariate analysis was used to compare intraoperative medication usage and postoperative outcomes for THA patients receiving intrathecal fentanyl compared with those who did not receive intrathecal fentanyl. RESULTS: Recovery room pain scores were significantly lower for patients who received intrathecal fentanyl (intrathecal fentanyl 1.4 vs no 2.2, P = .001), but no difference in opioid consumption was observed (intrathecal fentanyl 9.3 milligram morphine equivalent vs no 10.5 milligram morphine equivalent, P = .200). Intraoperative use and dose of intravenous morphine, hydromorphone, and dexamethasone did not differ significantly between groups. There were no significant differences in length of stay between the groups (intrathecal fentanyl 1.1 days vs 1.1 days, P = .973), 90-day readmission, or recatherization rates between groups (readmission, intrathecal fentanyl 4.8% vs no 5.8%, P = .709; recatherization, intrathecal fentanyl 0% vs no 0.7%, P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: The administration of intrathecal fentanyl does not have a significant effect on early postoperative narcotic consumption, length of stay, 90-day readmissions, or recatheterization after THA with neuraxial anesthesia. Intrathecal fentanyl does not appear to improve outcomes and should not be included as a standard element of THA rapid recovery protocols.

Effect of intrathecal fentanyl on the incidence, severity, and duration of postdural puncture headache in parturients undergoing caesarean section: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a side effect of spinal anaesthesia (SA). This study was conducted to investigate the effect of intrathecal fentanyl on the incidence, severity, and duration of PDPH. METHODS: This was a prospective randomised controlled study including 220 parturients, who underwent Caesarean section (CS). They were divided into two groups for administration of SA with bupivacaine (bupivacaine group [B0], n = 111) or bupivacaine with fentanyl (bupivacaine fentanyl group [BF], n = 109). Haemodynamics, quality of anaesthesia, maternal side effects, and postoperative analgesia were noted. The neonatal Apgar score was recorded. The patients were followed up for 14 days after CS for the occurrence of PDPH, and its severity and duration. The collected data were statistically analysed, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 25. RESULTS: Regarding haemodynamics, heart rate increased at 5 min post-induction and blood pressure decreased at 2min post-induction in both groups. Excellent intraoperative anaesthesia was obtained in 91.7% and 79.3% of cases in groups BF and B0, respectively (P < 0.01). Longer duration of postoperative analgesia was present in the BF group as compared to the B0 group (P < 0.001). The incidence of PDPH decreased in the BF group in a non-significant manner, whereas its severity and duration increased significantly in the B0 group. CONCLUSION: Although the addition of intrathecal fentanyl to bupivacaine for SA in CS patients did not reduce the incidence of PDPH significantly, its severity and duration decreased significantly.

Intraoperative Comparison and Evaluation of Intrathecal Bupivacaine Combined with Clonidine versus Fentanyl in Children Undergoing Hernia Repair or Genital Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, spinal anesthesia is commonly being used in infants and children for infraumblical surgeries. Intrathecal adjuvants such as clonidine and fentanyl are used with local anesthetics for additive effects. AIM: The present study aims to assess and compare the effects of adding clonidine versus fentanyl to bupivacaine intrathecally in terms of propofol consumption, hemodynamic profile, adverse events, and complications intraoperatively in pediatric patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted between June 2016 and October 2018 in pediatric patients aged 3-8 years undergoing hernia repair or genital surgery under spinal anesthesia after approval of the Institutional Ethical Committee (Reference No: SGRR/IEC/04/16). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into two equal sized (n = 42) study groups, while analysis was done in (n = 40) each group. Group 1 (BC) received clonidine 1 µg/kg with 0.5% bupivacaine (heavy) and Group 2 (BF) received fentanyl 0.5 µg/kg with 0.5% bupivacaine (heavy). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Quantitative data were expressed in mean and standard deviation. Qualitative data were expressed in proportion and percentages. Independent t-test was applied to compare the means of quantitative data, and Chi-square test was used to compare categorical data. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Patient characteristics regarding age, weight, and surgical time were comparable in the two groups. The maintenance dose and bolus dose of propofol consumed during surgery were less in Group 1 than that in the Group 2 and were found to be statistically insignificant. The values of hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were less in Group 1 and were statistically significant at different time intervals. Sedation scores were comparable in both groups. Intraoperative incidence of bradycardia, systolic hypotension, and diastolic hypotension were high in Group 1, whereas the incidence of desaturation was high in Group 2. Intraoperative complications such as apnea and respiratory obstruction were high in Group 2, but were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: We conclude that intrathecal adjuvant fentanyl maintains a better hemodynamic profile in terms of adverse events such as bradycardia, systolic hypotension, and diastolic hypotension. Intrathecal clonidine maintains a better sedation level requiring less propofol for sedation. Complications such as apnea and respiratory obstruction can be attributed more to the deep sedation caused by bolus of propofol rather than the inherent properties of intrathecal adjuvant clonidine or fentanyl.

The effects of adjuvant intrathecal fentanyl on postoperative pain and rebound pain for anorectal surgery under saddle anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal opioid has been known to enhance the quality and prolong the duration of spinal anesthesia, as well as to reduce postoperative pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative analgesic characteristics of intrathecal fentanyl for the first 48 hours after anorectal surgery under saddle anesthesia. METHODS: Eighty patients were recruited in our study. Forty patients were randomly allocated to group B that received 0.5% bupivacaine 5 mg with 0.3 ml normal saline. The other 40 patients were assigned to group BF which was given 0.5% bupivacaine 5 mg with fentanyl 15 µg. The primary outcome variable was a numeric rating scale (NRS) at six hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included changes in the NRS score between one and 48 hours postoperatively, consumption of rescue analgesics, and the frequency of rebound pain. RESULTS: Group BF exhibited a lower mean NRS score at postoperative six hours compared to group B (P < 0.001). However, the mean NRS score was not different after postoperative six hours between the two groups. The median consumption of rescue analgesics in group BF was less than that of group B (P = 0.028) and the frequency of rebound pain decreased in group BF when compared to group B (P = 0.021). The levels of sensory block were S1 dermatome and motor block scores were 0 for both groups. There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal fentanyl 15 µg for anorectal surgery under saddle anesthesia led to an improved pain score for the first six hours after surgery and decreased postoperative analgesic use. Rebound pain diminished with intrathecal fentanyl and adverse effects did not increase.

Influence of group III/IV muscle afferents on small muscle mass exercise performance: a bioenergetics perspective.

KEY POINTS: This investigation assessed the influence of group III/IV muscle afferents on small muscle mass exercise performance from a skeletal muscle bioenergetics perspective. Group III/IV muscle afferent feedback was attenuated with lumbar intrathecal fentanyl during intermittent isometric single-leg knee-extensor all-out exercise, while 31 P-MRS was used to assess skeletal muscle bioenergetics. Attenuation of group III/IV muscle afferent feedback improved exercise performance during the first minute of exercise, due to an increase in total ATP production with no change in the ATP cost of contraction. However, exercise performance was not altered during the remainder of the protocol, despite a sustained increase in total ATP production, due to an exacerbated ATP cost of contraction. These findings reveal that group III/IV muscle afferents directly limit exercise performance during small muscle mass exercise, but, due to their critical role in maintaining skeletal muscle contractile efficiency, with time, the benefit of attenuating the muscle afferents is negated. ABSTRACT: The direct influence of group III/IV muscle afferents on exercise performance remains equivocal. Therefore, all-out intermittent isometric single-leg knee-extensor exercise and phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31 P-MRS) were utilized to provide a high time resolution assessment of exercise performance and skeletal muscle bioenergetics in control conditions (CTRL) and with the attenuation of group III/IV muscle afferent feedback via lumbar intrathecal fentanyl (FENT). In both conditions, seven recreationally active men performed 60 maximal voluntary quadriceps contractions (MVC; 3 s contraction, 2 s relaxation), while knee-extensor force and 31 P-MRS were assessed during each MVC. The cumulative integrated force was significantly greater (8 ± 6%) in FENT than CTRL for the first minute of the all-out protocol, but was not significantly different for the second to fifth minutes. Total ATP production was significantly greater (16 ± 21%) in FENT than CTRL throughout the all-out exercise protocol, due to a significantly greater anaerobic ATP production (11 ± 13%) in FENT than CTRL with no significant difference in oxidative ATP production. The ATP cost of contraction was not significantly different between FENT and CTRL for the first minute of the all-out protocol, but was significantly greater (29 ± 34%) in FENT than in CTRL for the second to fifth minutes. These findings reveal that group III/IV muscle afferents directly limit exercise performance during small muscle mass exercise, but, due to their critical role in maintaining skeletal muscle contractile efficiency, with time, the benefit from muscle afferent attenuation is negated.

The effects of adjuvant intrathecal fentanyl on postoperative pain and rebound pain for anorectal surgery under saddle anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal opioid has been known to enhance the quality and prolong the duration of spinal anesthesia, as well as to reduce postoperative pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative analgesic characteristics of intrathecal fentanyl for the first 48 hours after anorectal surgery under saddle anesthesia. METHODS: Eighty patients were recruited in our study. Forty patients were randomly allocated to group B that received 0.5% bupivacaine 5 mg with 0.3 ml normal saline. The other 40 patients were assigned to group BF which was given 0.5% bupivacaine 5 mg with fentanyl 15 μg. The primary outcome variable was a numeric rating scale (NRS) at six hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included changes in the NRS score between one and 48 hours postoperatively, consumption of rescue analgesics, and the frequency of rebound pain. RESULTS: Group BF exhibited a lower mean NRS score at postoperative six hours compared to group B (P < 0.001). However, the mean NRS score was not different after postoperative six hours between the two groups. The median consumption of rescue analgesics in group BF was less than that of group B (P = 0.028) and the frequency of rebound pain decreased in group BF when compared to group B (P = 0.021). The levels of sensory block were S1 dermatome and motor block scores were 0 for both groups. There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal fentanyl 15 μg for anorectal surgery under saddle anesthesia led to an improved pain score for the first six hours after surgery and decreased postoperative analgesic use. Rebound pain diminished with intrathecal fentanyl and adverse effects did not increase.

Comparison of different doses of magnesium sulphate and fentanyl as adjuvants to bupivacaine for infraumbilical surgeries under subarachnoid block.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Spinal anaesthesia is used for many years for surgeries below the level of umbilicus. It has certain disadvantages such as limited duration of blockade and post-operative analgesia. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of additives fentanyl and magnesium sulphate along with bupivacaine during spinal anaesthesia for prolongation of analgesia and motor blockade. METHODS: This randomised study was conducted in 120 patients of either sex of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II, posted for infraumbilical surgeries. Patients were randomly allocated to four groups and were given the following drugs intrathecally as per group distribution; group A - bupivacaine 15 mg (0.5% heavy) with fentanyl 25 µg, group B - bupivacaine 15 mg (0.5% heavy) with magnesium 100 mg, group C - bupivacaine 15 mg (0.5% heavy) with magnesium 50 mg and group D - bupivacaine 15 mg (0.5% heavy) with 0.5 ml normal saline. Parameters monitored were duration of analgesia along with haemodynamic parameters and side effects. Data were analysed using the Student's t-test for the continuous variables and two-tailed Fisher exact test or Chi-square test for categorical variables. RESULTS: There was significant increase in duration of analgesia in group A (374.37 min) and B (328.13 min) as compared to group C (274.87 min) and D (246.03 min). In group A, all haemodynamic parameters decreased by more than 20%, compared to baseline parameters, which was clinically and statistically significant as compared to other groups. There was also increase in duration of motor blockade in groups A and B. CONCLUSION: Addition of magnesium sulphate at 100 mg dose or fentanyl 25 µg as adjuvants to intrathecal bupivacaine significantly prolongs the duration of analgesia, though in the given doses, magnesium provides better haemodynamic stability than fentanyl, with fewer side effects.

Transient aphonia, aphagia and facial tingling following intrathecal administration of fentanyl.

Subarachnoid block with local anaesthetic agent and opiod as an adjuvant is a well-known technique with a good record of safety. However, some rare neurological complications like aphonia, dysphagia and tingling sensation have been reported following their administration in pregnant females posted for labour analgesia or caesarean section. We report a case of transient aphonia, aphagia and facial tingling following intrathecal administration of bupivacaine along with fentanyl for lower limb wound debridement in a male patient.

Clinical effects of intrathecal fentanyl on shoulder tip pain in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair under spinal anaesthesia: a double-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated the clinical intraoperative effects of intrathecal administration of fentanyl on shoulder tip pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP) under spinal anaesthesia. METHODS: Patients undergoing TEP were allocated in a double-blinded, prospective, randomized manner to two groups. Spinal anaesthesia was induced by intrathecal administration of 2.8 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (14 mg) in the control group and with 2.6 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (13 mg) and 10 µg fentanyl (0.2 ml) in the experimental group. RESULTS: The quality of muscle relaxation, adequacy of operative space and incidence of pneumoperitoneum were similar in the two groups (n = 36 per group). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly fewer cases of hypotension (12 [33.3%]) versus 23 [63.9%]) and shoulder tip pain (nine [25%] versus 18 [50%]). Intraoperative shoulder tip pain was more severe in the control group than in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of intrathecal fentanyl to local anaesthetic can relieve shoulder tip pain with no change in complications, especially hypotension, during TEP under spinal anaesthesia.

Analgesic efficacy of low-dose intrathecal neostigmine in combination with fentanyl and bupivacaine for total knee replacement surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Intrathecal (IT) neostigmine has been used as an adjunct to spinal anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a combination of low-dose neostigmine IT would enhance analgesia of a fixed dose of fentanyl IT, in patients undergoing unilateral total knee replacement (TKR) surgery with spinal anesthesia. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Forty-five patients scheduled for unilateral TKR were randomized to one of the three groups (n = 15) and prospectively studied using placebo-controlled, double-blinded design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 19-G epidural catheter was introduced through the L3-L4 interspace with patient in the sitting position, followed by spinal anesthesia administration through the L3-L4 interspace. Fifteen milligrams of hyperbaric bupivacaine (3 ml) plus the test drug (0.5 ml) was administered IT. The test drug was normal saline (0.5 ml) in group I; fentanyl 20 mcg (0.4 ml) and normal saline (0.1 ml) in group II; and fentanyl 20 mcg (0.4 ml) and neostigmine 1 mcg (0.1 ml) in group III. Characteristics of sensory and motor block, heart rate, and blood pressure were recorded intraoperatively. Postoperatively, pain scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) scores, and sedation scores, and postoperative analgesic dose were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were enrolled in this study and 43 patients were subjected to statistical analysis. Overall 24-h visual analog score in group III was significantly less than in those who received fentanyl alone (P = 0.00). The durations of complete analgesia and effective analgesia were longer for all patients in group III compared with group II (P < 0.05) and group I (P < 0.005) patients. The total number of epidural top ups (rescue analgesia) required was less in group II (P < 0.05) and group III (P < 0.005) patients, compared with the control group. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was not increased in group III patients. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of 1 mcg neostigmine IT increased the duration of analgesia and decreased the analgesic consumption in 24 h in TKR. There was no increase in the incidence of adverse effects.

Comparison of clinical effects according to dosage of fentanyl added to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing cesarean section

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia for cesarean section is widely used technique for rapid induction, high success rate and excellent intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. Potentiating the effect of intrathecal local anesthetics by addition of opioid for cesarean section is well known. In this study, we compared the clinical effects when different doses of fentanyl were combined with intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine. METHODS: Ninety six healthy term parturients were randomly divided into four groups: Group C (control), : Group F10 (fentanyl 10 microg), : Group F15 (fentanyl 15 microg), F: Group F20 (fentanyl 20 microg). In every group, 0.5% heavy bupivacaine was added according to the adjusted dose regimen. We observed the maximal level of the sensory block and motor block, the quality of intraoperative analgesia, the duration of effective analgesia and the side effects. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between four groups in maximal level and recovery rate of sensory and motor block. Quality of intraopertive analgesia and muscle relaxation was increasing by increasing dosage of intrathecal opioids. Duration of effective analgesia was significantly prolonged in Group F15 and F20 than Group C and F10, but there were no differences between Group F15 and F20. And the frequencies of side effects such as hypotension, max sedation level were increasing by increasing dosage of intrathecal opioids. The Apgar scores were normal, and there were no differences between the four groups. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of fentanyl 15 microg for spinal anesthesia provides adequate intraoperative analgesia and good postoperative analgesia without significant adverse effects.

The effects of intrathecal fentanyl for spinal anesthesia in lower extremity surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal opioids in combination with bupivacaine has been shown to provide adequate sensory blockade and early recovery from spinal anesthesia. This study was investigated the added effects of intrathecal fentanyl 10 microgram to bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing lower extremity surgery were into three groups. Group I received bupivacaine 10 mg (0.5%), gruop II received bupivacaine 5 mg with normal saline 1 ml, and group III received bupivacaine 5 mg with fentanyl 10 microg and normal saline 0.8 ml. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between group I and group III in the peak level and duration of sensory block. But the intensity of motor blockade was decreased in group III compared with group I and side effects of spinal anesthesia with local anesthetics was decreased in group III compared with group I. In Group II, 7 patients were complained the pain during surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal fentanyl 10 microgram with bupivacaine 5 mg on spinal blockade provide reliable anesthesia for lower extremity surgery.

The effects of intrathecal fentanyl for spinal anesthesia in lower extremity surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal opioids in combination with bupivacaine has been shown to provide adequate sensory blockade and early recovery from spinal anesthesia. This study was investigated the added effects of intrathecal fentanyl 10 microgram to bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing lower extremity surgery were into three groups. Group I received bupivacaine 10 mg (0.5%), gruop II received bupivacaine 5 mg with normal saline 1 ml, and group III received bupivacaine 5 mg with fentanyl 10 microg and normal saline 0.8 ml. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between group I and group III in the peak level and duration of sensory block. But the intensity of motor blockade was decreased in group III compared with group I and side effects of spinal anesthesia with local anesthetics was decreased in group III compared with group I. In Group II, 7 patients were complained the pain during surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal fentanyl 10 microgram with bupivacaine 5 mg on spinal blockade provide reliable anesthesia for lower extremity surgery.

The Effect of Intrathecal Morphine Added to Continuous Femoral 3-in-1 Nerve Block for Analgesia after Total Knee Replacement / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Most of the patients who received a 3-in-1 nerve block for analgesia after total knee replacement (TKR) complained of pain in the back of the knee. We investigated the value of an intrathecal (IT) morphine in patients receiving continuous 3-in-1 nerve block with a PCA technique for pain control after unilateral TKR. METHODS: Group 1 (n = 20) received spinal anesthesia with IT fentanyl 10microgram. Group 2 (n = 20) received spinal anesthesia with IT morphine 0.1 mg. All patients received continuous 3-in-1 nerve block performed with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine 1 : 200000, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine at the rate of 2 ml/h plus PCA boluses of 1 ml with a lockout of 10 min. The intensity of pain at rest and on movement was assessed by the patients using a visual analog scale (VAS) for the first 2 postoperative days. RESULTS: Patients in Group 2 reported significantly lower VAS pain scores at rest than those in Group 1 for the first 1 day (P < 0.05). Cumulative PCA bolus use of 0.125% bupivacaine in Group 2 was significantly lower than those in Group 1 for the first 2 days (P < 0.05). The incidences of pruritus in Groups 1 and 2 were 0 and 50%, respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We determined that the addition of IT morphine 0.1 mg to continuous femoral 3-in-1 nerve block improves postoperative analgesia after TKR.

Effect of Intrathecal Fentanyl with Hyperbaric Bupivacaine on Unilateral Spinal Anesthesia for Knee Arthroscopy / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Unilateral spinal anesthesia prolongs sensory blockade and provides hemodynamic stability. Intrathecal opioids enhance spinal anesthesia without prolonging motor recovery or hemodynamic side effects. The author evaluated the effect of intrathecal fentanyl on unilateral spinal blockade with hyperbaric bupivacaine for knee arthroscopy. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy patients undergoing unilateral knee arthroscopy randomly received unilateral spinal anesthesia with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 4 mg (Group I) or 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 4 mg combined with fentanyl 10 microgram (Group II). A lateral decubitus position was maintained for 15 minutes after intrathecal injection. The level and duration of sensory and motor blockade were recorded. RESULTS: The regression time of sensory block by two segments on dependent site was prolonged on Group II more than Group I (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups in recovery time of sensory and motor block. Unilateral sensory block was observed in 18 patients in Group I (100%) and in 2 patients in Group II (11%). Hemodynamic side effects were minimal in both groups, but pruritus was observed in 6 patients in Group II (33%). CONCLUSIONS: Small dose of intrathecal fentanyl with bupivacaine unilateral spinal anesthesia prolonged the duration of sensory block on operated site, but did not increase side effects and the duration of motor block and recovery. But intrathecal fentanyl with bupivacaine made disturbance of successful unilateral spinal block by the sensory block of nonoperated site.

The Effect of Intrathecal Fentanyl on Hypnotic Requirement of Propofol during Spinal Anesthesia / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal opioid, a useful adjunct to prolong analgesic effects, potentiates spinal anesthesia. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of intrathecal fentanyl on the hypnotic requirements of propofol during spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for elective urologic surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of four groups. In Group 1 (n =15), spinal anesthesia was performed with hyperbaric bupivacaine 10 mg, in Group 2 (n = 15) with hyperbaric bupivacaine 10 mg plus fentanyl 10microgram, in Group 3 (n = 15) with hyperbaric bupivacaine 10 mg plus fentanyl 20microgram, and in Group 4 (n = 15) with hyperbaric bupivacaine 10 mg plus fentanyl 30microgram. After performing spinal anesthesia, the target plasma concentration of propofol was set at 2.0microgram/ml. Effect site concentration (Ce) was measured when the BIS's reached 80 or 70. Ce was titrated to maintain a BIS of 70-80. Observer's sedation scoring (OAA/S), systolic and diastolic pressures, SpO2 and total infusion dose were measured every 10 minutes for 1 hour. RESULTS: Ce's at a BIS of 80 were 1.2+/-0.3microgram/ml (Group 1), 1.0+/-0.3microgram/ml (Group 2), 0.9+/-0.2microgram/ml (Group 3), and 0.8+/-0.2microgram/ml (Group 4), respectively. Ce's at a BIS of 70 were 1.6+/-0.2microgram/ml (Group 1), 1.5+/-0.4microgram/ml (Group 2), 1.2+/-0.3microgram/ml (Group 3), and 1.2+/-0.3microgram/ml (Group 4), respectively. Ce's of Group 3 and Group 4 at BISs of 70 and 80 were significantly lower than those of Group 1 (P<0.05), and the propofol requirements of Groups 3 and 4 to maintain a BIS of 70-80 were significantly less than those of Group 1 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that adding more than 20microgram of fentanyl to hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia reduces the hypnotic requirement of propofol.