Choi, H.S., Kim, K.O., Chun, H.J., Keum, B., Seo, Y.S., Kim, Y.S., . . . Ryu, H.S. (2012). The efficacy of transdermal fentanyl for pain relief after endoscopic submucosal dissection: A prospective, randomised controlled trial. Digestive and Liver Disease , 44, 925–929.
To investigate the efficacy and safety of fentanyl patches for pain relief after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Patients were randomized to a fentanyl patch or placebo control group. Patients in the patch group were instructed in the use of the patch, which they applied the night before the procedure. Pain was assessed immediately before and immediately after the endoscopy. Maximum pain during the 24 hours following the endoscopy was assessed at discharge. All patients received IV propofol and cimetropium bromide during the procedure. Fentanyl patches used were 12 mcg patches.
Phase of care: diagnostic
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
The study used a numeric rating scale to measure pain.
Findings show that fentanyl patches applied prior to endoscopic submucosal dissection are safe and effective in reducing postprocedural pain.
Usual treatment for endoscopy pain can involve frequent injections. Since fentanyl patches can be applied prior to a procedure, they may provide more comfort than injected as-needed pain medications can. This study showed that, compared to placebo, a low-dose fentanyl patch applied prior to endoscopic dissection was effective in reducing pain and was not associated with adverse effects. The approach the study outlines is novel and may be applicable to various groups of patients who could experience acute pain.