European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of the combination of intrathecal bupivacaine 0.5% heavy + fentanyl (0.5 microgram/kg) versus intrathecal bupivacaine 0.5% heavy + buprenorphine (2 microgram/kg) in lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries.
Materials and Methods: A total of 80 patients who underwent lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries were taken up for the study. Patients were randomised into two groups each. Patients allotted with odd numbers were in GROUP F: Bupivacaine +Fentanyl group (n=40) and patients allotted with even numbers were in GROUP B: Bupivacaine + Buprenorphine group (n=40). Group F received 3ml, 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + Fentanyl (0.5mcg/Kg), Group B received 3ml, 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + Buprenorphine (2mcg/Kg).
Results: In the current study, onset of analgesia was significantly earlier due to the addition of buprenorphine. This may be attributed to high lipid solubility and highest affinity for opiate receptors of buprenorphine. Both the groups had the same mean time to achieve motor blockade. Both groups maintained hemodynamic stability which was statistically insignificant. The mean duration of effective analgesia in Group A and group B found significant statistically (p<0.01).
Conclusion: We observed that anaesthesia was superior when buprenorphine is mixed with bupivacaine (0.5%) as compared to bupivacaine with fentanyl. Addition of buprenorphine to bupivacaine 0.5% augments the sensory blockade of local anaesthetics without affecting the sympathetic activity. Thus, it is concluded that intrathecal buprenorphine is suitable drug for post-operative analgesia for caesarean section.