Abstract Background: This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of single bolus administration of Magnesium Sulphate epidurally as an adjuvant to epidural fentanyl citrate for postoperative analgesia with consideration of duration of analgesia and hemodynamic stability after abdominal surgeries and to compare the side effects of both groups. Method: One hundred patients received standard general anaesthesia with epidural anesthesia using 10 ml of 0.5% Bupivacaine. After the surgery, patients were randomized into GroupI [Epidural Fentanyl ïg/ kg in 10 ml saline] and Group II [Epidural Magnesium75 mg along with Fentanyl1 ïg/ kg in 10 ml saline]. Supplementary analgesia was provided by Inj. Tramadol 50 mg when Verbal Rating Score (VRS) was > 4. Patient’s first analgesic requirement and duration of analgesia were recorded. Results: The duration of analgesia was significantly longer in Group II (290 ± 50 min) as compared to Group I (160± 30 min) (P 0.001). The frequency of rescue analgesics required in Group II (2.1±0.5) was significantly less than that in GroupI (3.3±0.5) (P 0.001). VRS was lower in GroupII up to 4 hours postoperatively (P 0.001). Conclusion: he Administration of Magnesium 75 mg as an adjuvant to Epidural Fentanyl 1 ïg/ kg significantly lowers the Verbal Rating Score (VRS) with prolonged duration of postoperative analgesia as compared with Epidural Fentanyl (1 ïg/ kg) alone. Concomitant administration of Magnesium also reduces the requirement of breakthrough analgesics without any significant side effects.
Keywords: Epidural Adjuvants; Fentanyl; Magnesium; Postoperative Analgesia.