[The effect of continuous epidural infusion of a combination of 1% mepivacaine and buprenorphine for post-operative pain relief].

Using a portable 2 ml.hr-1 type infusor (Baxter Infusor), the effect of continuous epidural infusion for post-operative pain relief for 72 hours was studied in 32 patients after upper abdominal surgery. The patients were randomly allocated into four groups: Group 1 (n = 8) received continuous epidural infusion of 1% mepivacaine and buprenorphine 0.2 mg (48 ml.hr-1); group 2 (n = 8) 1% mepivacaine and buprenorphine 0.4 mg (48 ml.hr-1); Group 3 (n = 8) saline and buprenorphine 0.2 mg (48 ml.hr-1); Group 4 (n = 8) saline and buprenorphine 0.4 mg (48 ml.hr-1). The effect was evaluated at intervals of 12-hour until 72 hours postoperatively. Patients received supplemental buprenorphine intramuscularly as needed. In each period during the 12 to 72-hour after operation, the percentage of the patients who needed no supplemental buprenorphine was 62.5-100%, which is higher than during the 0 to 12-hour (25.0%). The percentage of the patients who showed no pain on coughing and changing in position in Group 1 and 2 was higher than in Group 3 and 4 in each period (P less than 0.05 12-24 and 36-72 hr). Continuous epidural infusion using Baxter Infusor with the combination of 1% mepivacaine and buprenorphine is effective for alleviating postoperative pain during the 12 to 72 hours after the operation, and for prevention of pulmonary complications.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes