Comparison of patient-controlled analgesia of epidural with intravenous fentanyl

Objective To compare the effecacy and safety of apatient-controlled analgesia(PCA)of epidural with intravenous fentanyl.Methods 60 patients undergoing ordinary epigastrial or thoracic operation were randomly allocated to patient-controlled epidurai analgesia(PCEA)group(n=30)or patient-controlled intravenous anaigesia (PCIA)group(n=30).The PCA solution consists of fentanyl 0.5mg,droperidol 10mg and NS 86 ml,Loadingdose of fentanyl was 0.001mg/kg,and backgroud infusion 2ml/h,bolus 0.5ml,lockout time 15 min.The severity of pain,incidence of nausea and vomiting,total dosage of fentanyl used in 24h,and patient's satisfaction were assessed.Results The total dosage of fentanyl administered,the times of temperarily pressing the PCA key and the postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the PCIA group than those in the PCEA group.Between two growps,there was no significant difference in the overall satisfaction of pain relief,sedation and vomiting.Conclusion PCIA with fentanyl is better than PCEA with it for postoperative pain relief.