Aim and Objectives: To compare postoperative analgesic efficacy of nebulised fentanyl (4mcg/kg) with intravenous fentanyl (1mcg/kg) in abdominal surgeries by using VAS score and to compare the adverse effects namely Bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting, pruritus and excessive sedation.

Material and Methods: Sixty patients of either sex, scheduled for elective abdominal surgeries belonging to physical status ASA class 1 and 2 were allocated into two groups of 30. Patients belonging to study group (group S) received nebulised fentanyl (4mcg/kg) and IV saline. Patients belonging to control group (group C) received intravenous fentanyl (1mcg/kg) and nebulised saline. Patients were assessed for pain by VAS, sedation by RSS, hemodynamic parameters: (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory Rate) and adverse effects (nausea, vomiting, pruritus).

Results: Demographic profile was comparable in both the groups. The mean baseline VAS score in group C(7.7±1.55) decreased until 30 min to mean VAS of 1.2±0.71 whereas in group S(7.0±1.38) it decreased until 90 min to mean VAS of 0.37±0.56 and was both statistically and clinically significant. The differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were statistically significant in both the groups (group C and group S) however the difference noted was not clinically significant bradycardia was observed in one patient of group C. Nausea and vomiting was observed in 3 patients of group C and 4 patients of group S. Pruritus was observed in 4 patients of group C and 2 patients of group S.

Conclusion: Postoperatively both the drugs were effective in giving pain relief. 4 mcg/kg nebulised fentanyl produces significant lower pain scores for prolonged time as compared to 1mcg/kg intravenous fentanyl (90 mins vs 30 mins) and with minimal side effects. Thus nebulised fentanyl is an effective, safe and convenient method of analgesia.