Intrathecal morphine reduces postoperative tramadol consumption in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy: a randomized trial.

Background: Intrathecal (IT) morphine provides prolonged analgesia after major surgery.

Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the impact of intrathecal morphine 200 µg on patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) tramadol consumptions and postoperative pain in patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) under general anesthesia.

Materials And Methods: In this prospective trial, 56 men who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) were randomized into 2 groups. Group M received intrathecal morphine (200 µg) before the induction of general anesthesia. Group C did not receive intrathecal morphine. Postoperative analgesia was provided with tramadol PCA. Pain scores, tramadol consumption, adverse effects, rescue analgesia were recorded.

Results: Total tramadol consumption at 24 hours and pain scores during 12 hours postoperatively were significantly lower in Group M compared with Group C (p < 0.05). Rescue analgesia and postoperative nausea were lower in Group M than in Group C (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Intrathecal morphine 200 µg provided a significant reduction in tramadol consumption, postoperative pain scores, rescue analgesia, and postoperative nausea after RRP without serious adverse effects.