Abstract

Introduction:Postoperative analgesia after cesarean section poses unique clinical challenges
to anesthesiologist. Intrathecal buprenorphine is a promising drug for postoperative analgesia.
Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two doses of buprenorphine (45
μg and 60 μg) as an adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in
caesarean section.
Materials and methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled study.
Ninety ASA physical status Class II parturients posted for elective caesarean section. The
computer-generated simple random sampling procedure was used to allocate the subjects into
three Groups A, B, C of 30 each.
Results: Addition of buprenorphine to intrathecal bupivacaine prolonged the duration and
quality of postoperative analgesia without producing any major side effect. The maximum
duration of analgesia and hence decreased analgesic requirement were obtained with 60 μg
buprenorphine. Addition of buprenorphine did not have any adverse outcome on the baby as
assessed by Apgar score.
Conclusion:Addition of buprenorphine to hyperbaric bupivacaine provides postoperative
analgesia after cesarean section without significant maternal and neonatal side effects.