Tramadol as a Pre-Induction Agent for Caesarean Section Under General Anaesthesia

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tramadol for the mother and the foetus when used as part of balanced anaesthesia without the possibility of using potent anaesthetics. METHODS Forty parturients undergoing caesarean section irrespective of their American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status classification or associated medical conditions were included in randomised single blind study. The patients were randomly allocated to receive Tramadol 1 mg/kg (n=20) and Tramadol 2 mg/kg (n=20) intravenously 15 minutes before induction with Thiopentone. Anaesthesia was maintained only on nitrous-oxide and oxygen mixture with controlled ventilation. RESULTS A total of 70% of patients in group I and 90% in group II showed acceptable haemodynamic changes. There was no significant difference in the uterine tone between the two groups. The Apgar scores at one and five minutes were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION It was found that the Tramadol at 2 mg/kg intravenous dose could avoid use of inhalation agents in 90% of patients and the dose was safe for even compromised babies.