[Continuous intravenous administration of fentanyl reduces tenesmus after transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P)].

Background: The relief from tenesmus is important after transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P). We evaluated the effect of continuous intravenous administration of fentanyl on the tenesmus.

Methods: Eleven patients receiving fentanyl infusion (fentanyl group) were compared with fourteen patients without fentanyl infusion (control group) retrospectively. All patients underwent TUR-P under spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine 2.2-2.8 ml. In the fentanyl group, fentanyl infusion 25 microg x hr(-1) was started followed by fentanyl 50 microg administration postoperatively.

Results: In the fentanyl group, NSAIDs were needed in only one patient. Eleven patients in the control group, however, required NSAIDs and three of them needed additional pentazocine administration. The required amount of NSAIDs per patient was significantly smaller in the fentanyl group (Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.01). In the fentanyl group, one patient had slight nausea but needed no care. Other side effects, such as respiratory depression, hypotension, bradycardia and somnolence were not observed.

Conclusions: Continuous intravenous administration of fentanyl was very effective and safe enough for the tenesmus after TUR-EP.