[Comparison of continuous epidural fentanyl and morphine for postoperative pain management after upper abdominal...

Fentanyl and morphine were administered epidurally to the patients after upper abdominal surgery for postoperative pain management. One hundred and ninety patients were divided into 3 groups; F group: bolus and continuous administration of fentanyl, M group: bolus and continuous administration of morphine, FM group: bolus of fentanyl and morphine and continuous administration of morphine. Pain scores of 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12 hours after administration and of the next morning were examined and side effects were recorded. Pain scores at 1 and 2 hours in F and FM group were significantly lower than those in M group. There were no significant differences in the scores among 3 groups from 3 hours to the next morning. The incidence of itching in F group was significantly less than in other groups. Respiratory depression (less than respiratory rate 8.min-1) occurred in 2 cases in M and FM group, but no case in F group. FM group had no advantage compared with F group. We conclude that continuous epidural infusion of fentanyl is more useful than morphine for postoperative pain management after upper abdominal surgery.