A randomized controlled trial of postoperative analgesia following total knee replacement: transdermal Fentanyl patches versus patient controlled analgesia (PCA).

backgroundThis randomized controlled trial compared a standard patient controlled analgesic (PCA) regime with a transdermal and oral Fentanyl regime for post-operative pain management in patients undergoing total knee replacement.

methodsOne hundred and ninety-six patients undergoing total knee replacement were recruited. Pre- and post-operatively Visual Analogue Score (VAS), Oxford Knee Score, Health Anxiety and Depression Score and Brief Pain Inventory Score were completed. According to the day 1, VAS score patients were randomly allocated to either a PCA regime or a Fentanyl transdermal/oral regime. Patient reported outcomes were measured until the patients were discharged.

resultsThe results demonstrate that in terms of analgesic effect, day of discharge and side effect profile the two regimes are comparable.

conclusionsWe conclude that a Fentanyl transdermal regime provides adequate analgesic effect comparable to a standard PCA regime in conjunction with a low side effect profile. Using a transdermal analgesic system provides efficient continuous delivery enabling a smooth transition from hospital to home within the first week. Transdermal Fentanyl provides an alternative analgesic regime that can provide an equivalent analgesic effect so as to enable a satisfactory outcome for the patient in terms of function and pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.