Duration of Postoperative Analgesia with Intravenous Nalbuphine versus Intravenous Butorphanol in Patients Undergoing Short Surgical Procedures under TIVA

Aims and Objectives: To compare the duration of post operative analgesia of nalbuphine 0.3 mg/kg IV and butorphanol 0.04 mg/kg IV in patients posted for short surgical procedures under TIVA. Also to observe the sedation score as well as the side effects like nausea, emesis, pruritis, hypotension, respiratory depression.

Materials and Methods: By closed envelope technique, sixty female patients of ASA Class I and II aged 20-60 years, who were posted for short gynaecological surgeries under TIVA were randomly allocated into two groups: Group N (nalbuphine) and Group B (butorphanol). Just prior to surgery, Group N patients got IV Nalbuphine 0.3 mg/kg, while Group B patients received IV Butorphanol 0.04 mg/kg. Patients were asked to rate their pain intensity on a VAS scale in the course of the postoperative period, and the duration of postoperative analgesia was compared between the two groups. The Modified Ramsay sedation scale was exercised to assess sedation at the time of pain complaint, and patients were additionally monitored for 24 hours post the surgery for any adverse or side effects.

Results: In group N, 63.33% of patients had duration of pain relief ranging 31-50 minutes, with mean duration of analgesia being 46.333 ± 2.061. In group B, 60% of patients had duration of pain relief ranging from 11-30 minutes, with mean duration being 19.167± 1.68 minutes. In group N, 63.33% of patients had score for sedation as 3 and rest (36.67%) had a score for sedation as 2. In group B, 80% of patients had a score for sedation as 2 and rest (20%) had a score for sedation as 1.

Conclusion: When compared to IV Butorphanol, intravenous Nalbuphine delivers a more effective post-operative analgesia with better sedation. IV Nalbuphine is recommended for post operative analgesia in patients undergoing short surgical procedures. Both the drugs did not cause any side effects.