COMPARISON OF TWO DIFFERENT DOSES OF INTRATHECAL BUPRENORPHINE USING POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA FOR CESAREAN SECTION

Abstract

Background: Postoperative analgesia after caesarean section poses unique clinical challenges to anesthesiologist. Intrathecal buprenorphine is a promising drug for postoperative analgesia. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two doses of buprenorphine (60 µg and 90 µg) as an adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in caesarean section.

Materials and Methods: Prospective randomized double blind controlled study involving sixty parturients posted for elective caesarean section under subarachnoid block. Group B60 (n = 30) received 9mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 60 µg buprenorphine, Group B90 (n=30) received 9mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 90 µg buprenorphine. Following parameters were observed: onset and duration of sensory block, postoperative pain scores based on Verbal Numerical Rating Scale, rescue analgesic requirement, and maternal and neonatal side effects if any.

Results: Duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly prolonged in Groups B90 in comparison to Group B60. Rescue analgesic requirement and VNP score were significantly lower in the B90 group. No major side effects were observed.

Conclusion: Addition of buprenorphine to intrathecal bupivacaine prolonged the duration and quality of postoperative analgesia after caesarean section. Increasing the dose of buprenorphine from 60 µg to 90 µg provided longer duration of analgesia without major adverse effects.