Postoperative epidural analgesia: trials of bupivacaine combined with fentanyl or morphine after spinal fusion surgery

ABSTRACT

Background: major spinal fusion surgery causes severe postoperative pain, which persists for at least 3 days. Efficient and safe methods for postoperative analgesia after spinal fusion surgery are, therefore, mandatory. This study aimed to compare the analgesic effect of different epidural analgesia combinations and their effects on blood level of Beta-endorphin. We also studied the impact of these analgesic regimens on defined postoperative mobilization maneuvers and on patient satisfaction