The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative methadone on postoperative analgesic requirements, pain scores and patient satisfaction in comparison to standard intraoperative pain control with fentanyl.
Patients of both genders and up to age 75 and ASA classification III were enrolled, when undergoing moderately to severely painful surgery scheduled for ≥90 minutes in general anaesthesia. Patients were randomized to receive either a single shot of methadone (0.2mg/kg) or fentanyl (0.003mg/kg) for induction of anesthesia. In cases of insufficient intraoperative analgesia repeated fentanyl administration was possible. Postoperative analgesia was provided with patient controlled morphine in both groups (PCA = Patient Controlled Analgesia). Pain was assessed using the numerical rating scale (NRS) at rest and after coughing, at 15 minutes post extubation, and repeated every 6 hours up to 72 hours postoperatively. The levels of sedation and nausea/vomiting were also evaluated in parallel.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
160
methadone for control postoperative pain
Kantonsspital Baden
Baden, Canton of Aargau, Switzerland
Difference of postoperative morphine consumption
Difference in milligrams of morphine used as rescue by patient controlled analgesia pump
Time frame: first 48 hours postoperatively
Difference in pain scores, using the Numeric Rating Scale
Difference in pain scores in rest and motion at 0,6,12,24,36,48,72 hours postoperative.
Time frame: first 72 hours postoperatively
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