Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Spinal surgery, including discectomy, laminectomy and spinal fusion, often results in significant postoperative pain, necessitating effective pain management strategies. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is commonly used for pain relief due to its rapid onset and short duration of action. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of fentanyl in postoperative pain management for spinal surgery patients. This randomized controlled trial involved 50 patients undergoing elective spinal surgery. Participants were randomized into two groups: the Fentanyl Group (Group F) received intravenous fentanyl, while the Paracetamol Group (Group P) received intravenous paracetamol for postoperative pain management. Primary outcome measures included postoperative pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours post‐surgery. Secondary outcomes included total opioid consumption, time to first mobilization, incidence of opioid‐related side effects, and length of hospital stay. Fentanyl significantly reduced postoperative pain intensity at all measured time intervals compared to paracetamol (p<0.001). The mean total fentanyl consumption in Group F was 262.94 μg. Patients in the Fentanyl Group mobilized earlier (17.42 hours vs. 20.95 hours., p<0.001) and had shorter hospital stays (4.60 days vs. 6.05 days., p<0.001). However, the Fentanyl Group experienced higher incidences of nausea, vomiting and pruritus. Fentanyl is effective in managing postoperative pain following spinal surgery, facilitating earlier mobilization and shorter hospital stays. However, its use is associated with a higher incidence of side effects, necessitating careful patient monitoring and side effect management.
How to cite this article:
P. Raghunath, Prashanthi Billa, R. Srikanth Chandra and Jhoshna Deverakonda. Efficacy of Fentanyl in Postoperative Pain Management for Spinal Surgery: An Institutional Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.8.130.135
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.8.130.135