• Ates Duman, Seza Apiliogullari, and Ipek Duman.
• Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Medical Faculty, Faculty of Dentistry, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey.
• Paediatr Anaesth. 2010 Jun 1;20(6):530-6.

BackgroundThe effect of intrathecal fentanyl on the characteristics of spinal anesthesia has not been investigated in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the incidence and severity of pain during peritoneal sac traction is decreased by addition of fentanyl to bupivacaine in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair with spinal anesthesia.MethodsChildren (6-14 years) were randomized into two groups. Group F (n = 25): hyperbaric bupivacaine plus 0.2 microg.kg(-1) of fentanyl. Group P (n = 25): hyperbaric bupivacaine plus 0.9% NaCl (placebo). The dose of bupivacaine was 0.4 mg.kg(-1). The primary variable was the incidence and severity of pain during peritoneal sac traction. Spinal block characteristics, duration of spinal anesthesia assessed by recovery of hip flexion and duration of analgesia were the secondary variables measured, and the side effects were noted.ResultsThere were significant differences in incidence of pain and pain scores during sac traction with lower incidence and scores in the fentanyl group (P = 0.009). Two groups were similar regarding the level of sensory block during sac traction and duration of spinal anesthesia. Duration of spinal analgesia was prolonged significantly in the fentanyl group (P = 0.025).ConclusionIntrathecal fentanyl at a dose of 0.2 microg.kg(-1) added to bupivacaine significantly improves the quality of intraoperative analgesia and prolongs postoperative analgesia in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair with spinal anesthesia.

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