Sufentanil-Dezocine Combination in Patient-Controlled Intravenous Analgesia for Postoperative Pain After Pancreatic...

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) regimen combining sufentanil and dezocine versus sufentanil alone for postoperative pain relief in pancreatic surgery patients.

We conducted a retrospective study comparing perioperative outcomes, the postoperative incidence of moderate-severe pain at rest and during coughing, and adverse effects in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery who received sufentanil (sufentanil group, n=247) versus a combination of sufentanil and dezocine (combination group, n=704) for PCIA. Propensity score matching (1:3) was performed to balance the groups.

There were no significant differences in the demographic or perioperative outcomes between the two groups after matching. Within 48 hours after surgery, the incidence of moderate-severe pain at rest was significantly lower in the combination group (2.8%) compared to the sufentanil group (7.7%, P<0.05). Similarly, pain during coughing was significantly higher in the sufentanil group (30.0%) than in the combination group (23.6%, P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in adverse effects, including vomiting, hypotension, dizziness, or delirium during the first two postoperative days. The levels of sedation (LOS) were comparable on the first postoperative day, but a higher proportion of patients in the combination group were fully alert on the second day.

The combination of sufentanil and dezocine provides superior postoperative analgesia without increasing clinically relevant adverse effects, making it a promising option for pain management in pancreatic surgery patients. Further research is warranted to validate its routine clinical use.