A double-blinded, randomized comparison of intrathecal and epidural morphine for elective cesarean delivery.

We randomized 150 parturients into a double-blinded trial to receive intrathecal (IT) 100 μg (IT 100 group) or 200 μg (IT 200 group) or epidural 3 mg (Epidural group) of morphine for elective cesarean delivery with a combined spinal/epidural technique. The patients additionally received ketoprofen 300 mg/d. Postoperative pain relief and side effects were registered every 3 h up to 24 h, and all patients were interviewed on the first postoperative day. Pain control was equally good, but the parturients in the IT 100 group requested rescue analgesics more often compared with the other groups (P 90% of the patients in all groups. In conclusion, because of the decreased incidence of and lesser requirements of medication for itching, IT morphine 100 μg with ketoprofen is recommended in cesarean deliveries. Rescue analgesics nevertheless need to be prescribed.