Effectiveness of Epidural Morphine For Post-Cesarean Analgesia

Authors

  • Ihtisham Ul Haq Department of Anaesthesia, Combined Military Hospital Bannu /National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Pakistan
  • Syed Samee Uddin Uddin Department of Anaesthesia, Pakistan air force hospital Karachi Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v75i5.10910

Keywords:

Cesarean Section, Epidural, Morphine, Postoperative Analgesia

Abstract

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of epidural morphine in controlling postoperative pain after cesarean section.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Operation Theatre Complex Combined Military Hospital Bannu, Pakistan, from Nov 2022 to Aug 2023.

Methodology: One hundred full-term gravid patients planned for elective caesarean section were selected. Their ages ranged from 18 to 40 years, all in the ASA II category. They were divided into Group-A and Group-B alternatively. Group-A patients received Epidural Morphine 3 mg in 17 ml Injection Bupivacaine 0.5% while Group-B patients received 17 ml of 0.5% injection Bupivacaine in Epidural. All patients were monitored for pain, pruritus, nausea and vomiting, and respiratory depression.

Results: Mean analgesia duration in Group-A 1801.20±111.20 was (30 hours and 01 minute), and 236.6±31.19 minutes (3 hours 56 minutes) in Group-B. In Group-B, only 3 patients developed pruritus, significantly less than in Group-A, where 22 had pruritus. Twelve patients in Group-A complained of nausea and vomiting as compared to 6 in Group-B. No patient in either group developed respiratory depression.  

Conclusion: We found that 3mg epidural morphine provided analgesia for a prolonged duration. It is safe in terms of respiratory risks. However, the incidence of pruritus, nausea and vomiting increased with epidural morphine.

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Published

31-10-2025

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Original Articles

How to Cite

1.
Haq IU, Uddin SSU. Effectiveness of Epidural Morphine For Post-Cesarean Analgesia. Pak Armed Forces Med J [Internet]. 2025 Oct. 31 [cited 2025 Nov. 2];75(5):897-900. Available from: https://pafmj.org/PAFMJ/article/view/10910