Postoperative effects of intrathecal morphine in coronary artery bypass surgery.

To determine whether intrathecal morphine is effective in decreasing analgesic and antihypertensive drug requirements after coronary artery bypass (CAB) surgery, a prospective, randomized, double-blind study was designed. Approximately 30 minutes before induction of anesthesia with IV sufentanil and diazepam, and 2 hours before heparinization, one group of patients (n = 16) were given morphine 0.5 mg, while the control group (n = 14) were given placebo intrathecal injections through 22- or 25-gauge lumbar puncture needles.