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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijaa.2349.8471.5918.10

Abstract

 Introduction: Central neuraxial adjuvant drugs, alone or in combination, are used intrathecally or epidurally for the treatment of acute and chronic painful conditions.

Aims: To compare the efficacy and duration of analgesia as well as to compare the hemodynamic parameters and the adverse effects of study drugs.

Method: 100 adult patients of ASA grade I and II, of either sex, belonging to 18 -65 years of age, posted for elective abdominal surgeries were selected for the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 50 each. Group RT received 13ml of Inj. Ropivacaine hydrochloride (0.2%) + 1ml of Inj. Tramadol hydrochloride (50mg) + 1ml of Normal Saline. Group RF received 13ml of Inj. Ropivacaine hydrochloride (0.2%) + 0.5ml of Inj. Fentanyl citrate (25µg) + 1.5ml of Normal Saline. Total volume = 15 ml, by epidural route at the time of skin closure. Postoperatively, VAS Score at rest and movement, Ramsay sedation score, hemodynamic changes and adverse effects were noted.

Result: VAS at rest and movement were higher in Group RF at 6 hrs whereas in Group RT at 10 hrs. Ramsay sedation score were also comparable at 6 hrs and 10 hrs. Duration of analgesia was around 8 to 10 hours in Group RT whereas it was around 6 to 8 hours in Group RF.

Conclusion: Epidural Tramadol hydrochloride along with Ropivacaine hydrochloride provides significant longer duration of analgesia, lower pain scores as compared to Epidural Fentanyl citrate with Ropivacaine hydrochloride.

 

Keywords : Epidural; Ropivacaine; Fentanyl; Tramadol; Analgesia.

Corresponding Author : Dipika Pragnesh Patel, Associate Professor, Anesthesia Department, Room no: 107, 1st floor, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380016, India.