Abstract

Introduction: The addition of intrathecal opioids to local anaesthetics has been found to improve the quality and duration of sensory and motor blockade, providing post-operative pain relief for a longer period.
Method: 60 parturients of ASA grade I and II scheduled for elective LSCS under subarachnoid block were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A were administered 2ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 90 µg of buprenorphine (0.3 ml). Group B were administered 2ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 15 µg of fentanyl (0.3 ml). Efficacy of buprenorphine and fentanyl as adjuvants in terms of haemodynamic variables, onset and duration of sensory block and motor block along with side effects were recorded.
Results: There were no significant hemodynamic changes between the two groups. There was significant decrease in the time required to reach peak sensory blockade in fentanyl when compared to buprenorphine group compared to control group (p value <0.0001). Mean duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in Group A (309.23±14.32 min) than Group B (284 ± 15.22min). There was no significant effect on Apgar score of the neonate.
Conclusion: Intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine with opioid as adjuvants are well tolerated by the parturient and neonate during caesarean section with quality analgesia and increased duration of post-operative analgesia