Effect of epidural buprenorphine and clonidine on vesical functions in women.

Buprenorphine (4 micrograms/kg body weight) and clonidine (3 micrograms/kg body weight) were administered epidurally to investigate their effect on vesical function in 20 American Society of Anaesthesiologists Classification I (ASA I) adult females. Cystometry was performed before and 30 minutes following epidural administration of drugs. Epidural administration of buprenorphine increased the maximum cystometric capacity from 352 +/- 98.5 - 462.8 +/- 167.3 ml (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in detrusor pressure at maximum cystometric capacity, in vesical compliance, maximum flow rate, and in the mean flow rate. Epidural administration of clonidine did not produce any significant change in the above urodynamic parameters. None of the patients in both groups developed retention of urine.