title: [A randomized double-blind comparison of epidural versus intravenous tramadol infusion for postoperative analgesia].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study compared epidural and intravenous tramadol infusions for postoperative analgesia after gastrectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty patients were assigned randomly to receive either tramadol epidurally and saline intravenously (group-E) or tramadol intravenously and saline, epidurally (group-I) in a double-blind fashion. At the end of the operation, each patient received a bolus of tramadol 2 mg x kg(-1) either epidurally or intravenously and 7 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) tramadol infusion was begun via the same route. Concurrently, a saline bolus and its infusion were given via the alternate route.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both groups obtained adequate pain relief and there was no difference between the groups in pain score. But one patient in E-group was excluded from the study for respiratory depression 8 hours after the operation. No other side effects were detected in either group except mild nausea.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that intravenous tramadol infusion provides effective and safe postoperative analgesia. A futher examination is required for the suitable dose of tramadol in epidural infusion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Nishikobe Medical Center, Kobe.
authors.forename: Kazuko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ijichi
authors.forename: Kuniyuki
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nijima
authors.forename: Tamao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Iwagaki
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Irie
authors.forename: Yuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Uratsuji
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005743:Gastrectomy; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014147:Tramadol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D014147:Tramadol