Comparison of extradural and intravenous diamorphine as a supplement to extradural bupivacaine

Abstract

The influence of route of administration (extradural as compared with intravenous) of diamorphine 0.5 mg/hour as a supplement to extradural bupivacaine (0.125% at 15 ml/hour) was investigated in two groups of 20 patients who underwent major abdominal gynaecological surgery. Significantly more patients in the intravenous group withdrew because of inadequate analgesia (p < 0.05). Those in the extradural group were significantly more drowsy throughout the study (p < 0.01), but no major side effects were encountered. Copyright © 1991, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved