Abstract
The effect of continuous iv fentanyl infusion (1μg·kg-1·h-1) on postoperative pain was compared with that of buprenorphine suppository (0.2mg) in patients undergoing abdominal simple total hysterectomy. The assessments of pain and side effects were made for 16h after the operation. Postoperative pain was scored as 1=none, 2=mild, 3=moderate or 4=severe. The patients who were receiving fentanyl had significantly lower pain scores after 4h postoperative period, and asked for less supplemental analgesia. No respiratory depression was observed in both groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of nausea that was a major side effect. We conclude that continuous iv infusion of fentanyl, compared with buprenorphine suppository, provides clinical advantages for the management of postoperative pain after hysterectomy.
