Perioperative pain control using new disposable infusion device in total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and buprenorphine

The effects of continuous infusion of very small doses buprenorphine (BPN) using disposable infusion pump (Coopdech syrinjector) for total intravenous propofol anesthesia is evaluated in ASA 1-2 patients scheduled to undergo ENT surgery. Patients were divided into the following three groups: group 1 received single shot bolus BPN 5mcg/kg prior to anesthesia induction, group 2 received 2.5mcg/kg, and group 3 received 2.5mcg/kg bolus followed by continuous infusion at a rate of 30mcg/h for the first 1 hour then reduced to 20mcg/h for the duration of surgery and reduced again to 10mcg/h for postoperative pain relief. The degree of changes in BP, HR, and total amount of propofol used were significantly higher in group 2, but no significant difference was observed between group 1 and 3. Recovery time was significantly longer in group 1. Thus continuous infusion of very small doses BPN using infusion pump is a useful alternative to single shot bolus BPN 5mcg.kg(-1).