Intrathecal Versus Epidural Morphine for Post-Cesarean Analgesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Cesarean section is a common surgical procedure worldwide, and managing acute postoperative pain effectively is crucial in obstetric anesthesiology. Researchers are evaluating whether intrathecal morphine provides better pain relief after elective cesarean delivery compared to the standard epidural morphine. This randomized clinical trial aims to clarify the optimal opioid administration route to support faster maternal recovery, newborn care, and safe breastfeeding. Pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section will be randomly assigned to receive either intrathecal morphine at a dose of 80 mcg or epidural morphine given as a 2.5 mg bolus at the end of surgery, followed by another 2.5 mg bolus 24 hours later. The study focuses on comparing the effectiveness of these two analgesia methods during the first 24 hours after surgery. Participants will be monitored for pain levels during the first 24 and 48 hours after surgery, need for additional pain medication, sedation levels, nausea, vomiting, itching, impact of pain on movement and activities, and overall satisfaction with pain management. All evaluations will assess safety and comfort during recovery, with the primary outcome being pain control at 24 hours post-cesarean. The trial is conducted at Hospital Central do Funchal and lasts through the initial postoperative period.

Intrathecal Versus Epidural Morphine for Post-Cesarean Analgesia