Publication:

Comparative study of duration of analgesia with epidural bupivacaine and bupivacaine with tramadol in lower limb surgeries

Background The administration of local anaesthetic and opioid mixture via epidural route is excellent for post-operative pain during lower limb surgeries. This combination provides better quality of analgesia, lower side effects and high level of patient satisfaction. Therefore, this study was taken up to evaluate the efficacy safety, tolerance and side effects for the combination of tramadol and bupivacaine in the management of post-operative pain.

Methods This was a prospective study where a total of 40 patients; 20 each in group I and II were selected. Patients who were admitted for lower limb surgeries   in age range of 18-50yrs and belonged to ASA grade I &II.  Group A was given epidural bupivacaine 0.5% and group B was given epidural bupivacaine 0.5% with tramadol 50mg. The parameters studied were onset of action, quality of anesthesia, degree of motor blockade, duration of analgesia, hemodynamic alterations, intraoperative and postoperative complications. Pain was evaluated with verbal score. Results were evaluated statistically.

Results The mean duration of analgesia was significantly longer in patients with tramadol. The quality of analgesia and pain scores were better in patients who were administered tramadol.  The number of drug doses required was significantly reduced by addition of tramadol.

Conclusions Tramadol is a safe and effective adjuvant to epidural bupivacaine for prolongation of total duration of analgesia in lower limb surgeries.