The Use of Epidural Buprenorphine for the Treatment of Postoperative Pain

Summary

72 Patients undergoing a variety of upper and lower abdominal interventions were selected for treatment with epidural buprenorphine (0.3 mg) or epidural buprenorphine (0.3 mg) with lignoeaine (1% in 10 ml). Using this regimen, over half of the patients had pain relief which lasted in excess of 24 hours, with onset being on the order of 20 min. Hypotension and bradycardia as indicated by a reduction of 25% from baseline, was observed in fewer than 10% of the cases which received the lignocaine and buprenorphine combination treatment. Aside from vomiting in several patients, no other side effects, including urine retention, itching, headache or respiratory depression was observed.