[Perioperative management of patients with cancer-pain receiving fentanyl patch].

Two patients with cancer medicated by transdermal fentanyl patch (FP) for more than one month underwent operation under general anesthesia. FP had not been removed. Anesthesia was maintained with inhalation of sevoflurane 2-3%, nitrous oxide, and intermittent administration of intravenous fentanyl. Intraoperative course was uneventful. They recovered from anesthesia quickly, and there were no complications due to fentanyl during the perioperative course. One patient needed additional intravenous fentanyl for postoperative analgesia. When FP is applied during the operation, it is useful because it can be of use for postoperative pain control.