[Per- and postoperative buprenorphine analgesia: cardiocirculatory and respiratory effects]

In 25 non-premedicated patients, buprénorphine (5 micrograms/kg - 1) has been injected i.v. 30 mn before coelioscopic sterilization under general anaesthesia. Following the i.v. injection there no significant modification of the arterial systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed but post-operative bradycardia. Tidal volume and minute/ventilation decreased whereas the respiratory rate remained stable. Arterial blood gaz analysis showed slightly hypoxaemia and a significant rise of PaCO2 with post-operative acidosis similar to that in the control group. Good postoperative analgesia was achieved but with profound sedation and a high incidence of nausea and vomiting.