Comparison of 50 microg and 25 microg doses of intrathecal morphine on postoperative analgesic requirements in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate with intrathecal anesthesia.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of 50 mug and 25 mug doses of intrathecal morphine on postoperative pain in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with low-dose bupivacaine.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blinded study.

SETTING

Konya Hospital.

PATIENTS

70 ASA physical status I, II, and III patients.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to two groups: Group A patients received 5 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (one mL) and 50 mug of morphine (0.5 mL). Group B patients received 5 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (one mL) and 25 mug of morphine (0.5 mL).

MEASUREMENTS

Postoperative pain scores, patient and surgeon satisfaction, and side effects such as emesis, pruritus, and respiratory depression, were recorded.

MAIN RESULTS

Postoperative pain characteristics were similar between the two groups. Frequency of emesis was similar between the groups, while pruritus was significantly higher in Group A. No antipruritic medication was required in any patient. Patient and surgeon satisfaction was evaluated as good or excellent in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrathecal morphine at a dose of 25 mug provides similar postoperative analgesia and less pruritus than the 50 mug dose in patients undergoing TURP.