AANA journal
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effects of intrathecal fentanyl on duration of bupivacaine spinal blockade for outpatient knee arthroscopy.
The purpose of this study was to determine if intrathecal fentanyl speeds the onset and prolongs the duration of sensory and motor block, prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia, or increases the incidence of adverse effects in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia for outpatient knee arthroscopy. Fifty patients were randomized to receive 12 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.75% with 25 micrograms (0.5 mL) of fentanyl (group 1) or 12 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.75% with 0.5 mL of preservative-free normal saline (group 2). One-tailed t tests were used to determine differences in onset and duration of sensorimotor block and postoperative analgesia. ⋯ Group 1 demonstrated significantly more pruritus, but there were otherwise no differences. We conclude that fentanyl does not enhance the onset and duration of sensory or motor block produced by 12 mg of intrathecal bupivacaine. Fentanyl, however, prolongs postoperative analgesia and increases the risk of pruritus.