Comparative Study to Assess Efficacy of Nalbuphine vs Fentanyl as an Adjuvant to Intrathecal 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Lower Abdominal Surgeries: A Randomized Control Trial

Intrathecal opioids are commonly used adjuvants in spinal anesthesia to prolong the action of local anesthetics. In this study, we aim to compare the efficacy of Nalbuphine with Fentanyl as an adjuvant to Bupivacaine. Methods: After obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee approval and informed written consent, 60 patients coming for lower abdominal surgeries were randomly allocated into two groups, Group A (Nalbuphine1mg) and Group B (Fentanyl25mcg), with 30 patients in each group. The sample size was calculated using a two means study. Data will be represented as mean with standard deviation. Students paired T-test, Chi-square Test, Students T-test were used for statistical analysis. The onset and duration of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia, hemodynamic parameters, and side effects were recorded. Results: The onset of sensory block and motor block, the duration of sensory block, and motor block, as well as the duration of analgesia was more with Nalbuphine, with p-value statistically significant (<0.05). Conclusion: Nalbuphine is a better alternative to Fentanyl as an adjuvant to intrathecally administered local anesthetics as it has a faster onset of action, prolonged duration, and provides better postoperative analgesia.