European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Introduction: Useof transdermal fentanyl patches is increasingly used for chronic pain management because of non-invasive dosing, longer duration of action and minimal side effects. However its role in relieving postoperative pain after caesarean section is not well established. 
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transdermal fentanyl patches (Duragesic 50 microgram/hour) for relieving postoperative pain after caesarean section.
Material and methods: A prospective randomized two-arm study was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of transdermal fentanyl patch 50mcg/hr for post-operative pain relief after elective cesarean section. After institutional approval and written informed consent, 70 female patients coming for elective cesarean section were selected, 35 patients were randomly allocated to each group. Group A received transdermal fentanyl patch and group B received placebo patch.
Results: There was no difference in demographic data between the two groups. Pain scores as well as requirement of rescue analgesia was less in the study group compared to the control group.
Conclusion: we conclude that transdermal administration of fentanyl 50 µg/h preoperatively is an effective noninvasive and convenient technique for postoperative pain relief after elective caesarean section surgery .