Comparison of 50 μg and 25 μg doses of intrathecal morphine on postoperative analgesic requirements in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate with intrathecal anesthesia

Abstract

Study Objective To compare the efficacy of 50 μg and 25 μg doses of intrathecal morphine on postoperative pain in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with low-dose bupivacaine. Design Randomized, double-blinded study. Setting Konya Hospital. Patients 70 ASA physical status I, II, and III patients. Interventions Patients were randomized to two groups: Group A patients received 5 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (one mL) and 50 μg of morphine (0.5 mL). Group B patients received 5 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (one mL) and 25 μg of morphine (0.5 mL). Measurements Postoperative pain scores, patient and surgeon satisfaction, and side effects such as emesis, pruritus, and respiratory depression, were recorded. Main Results Postoperative pain characteristics were similar between the two groups. Frequency of emesis was similar between the groups, while pruritus was significantly higher in Group A. No antipruritic medication was required in any patient. Patient and surgeon satisfaction was evaluated as good or excellent in both groups. Conclusions Intrathecal morphine at a dose of 25 μg provides similar postoperative analgesia and less pruritus than the 50 μg dose in patients undergoing TURP.