Comparison of oxycodone and sufentanil for patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Sufentanil is widely used for patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). Oxycodone has a powerful analgesic effect and mild side effects. We conducted this study to compare the efficacy of oxycodone and sufentanil for PCIA on postoperative pain after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

METHODOLOGY: A total of fifty patients scheduled for laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were equally randomized to receive postoperative pain treatment with either oxycodone (Group O) or sufentanil (Group S) for 48 h postoperatively. PCIA was set on demand mode without loading dose or background infusion. Postoperative cumulative sufentanil or oxycodone consumption, pain intensity, sedation status, and side effects were assessed.

RESULTS: No significant differences were detected in visual analog scale score at rest and during coughing in the two groups at various time points after operation. Group S was associated with more doses delivered by PCIA than Group O. The overall satisfaction degree was higher in Group O. The incidences of side effects were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSION: Oxycodone is a valuable alternative for PCIA in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.