1Assistant Professor, Deptt. of Anesthesiology, Rama Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Kanpur
2Assistant Professor, Deptt. of obs & gynae, Rama Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, Kanpur
3Lecturer, Deptt. of Biochemistry, Rama Dental College, Hospital and Research Center, Kanpur
*Correspondence author: Dr. Richu Grover, Address-118/444 Kaushalpuri Kanpur, Mob. 9956065117, Email ID - aneeraj76@gmail.com
Online published on 21 February, 2015.
The study was conducted to analyze the effect of intrathecal fentanyl on the characteristics of spinal anesthesia for caesarean section. The study was conducted over 60 selected uncomplicated full term pts. admitted for caesarean section. In group A-20 Pts. were given 15 μgm fentanyl with bupivacaine.
In group B 20 Pts. were given 20 μgm fentanyl with bupivacaine.
GroupC was taken as control where 20 pts were given normal saline with bupivacaine.
Onset and duration of sensory blockade, onset and duration of motor blockade, neonatal outcome, general condition of pt. and side effects if any were noted.
Onset of sensory blockade was almost similar in all the groups while the duration of sensory blockade was prolonged in fentanyl group and slightly more so in group B where more dose of fentanyl was used. The onset and duration of motor blockade was not affected.
Sensory side effects of opiod anesthetics such as respiratory depression (both in mother & fetus) which are common with morphine were also rare with fentanyl. Minor side effects such as nausea are seen. The combination therefore appears to provide prolonged analgesia with minimal side effects. Opioids and local anesthetics have a synergistic effect and potentiate afferent sensory blockade thus providing acceptable surgical anesthesia without prolonging recovery. Rest of the parameters were also not effected. It was concluded that intrathecal fentanyl when added to bupivaeaine has an additive effect.
Pain, spinal anesthesia, caesarean section, fentanyl
