Please confirm that an ethics committee approval has been applied for or granted: Not relevant

Background and Aims An ideal analgesic regimen after Caesarean Section should provide high-quality maternal analgesia with minimal adverse effects, facilitating a prompt return to normal function. This study evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nalbuphine for patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after cesarean section.

Methods Fifty parturients, aged 22-46 years old, weighing 50-80 kg, ASA I or II, scheduled for caesarean section with spinal anesthesia, were enrolled in this study. A bolus of nalbuphine 10 mg was intravenously injected as a loading dose at the post anesthetic care unit. PCIA was performed after this bolus dose. PCIA pump solution contained 120 mg nalbuphine diluted to 120 ml with normal saline. The pump was set up with a background infusion at a rate of 5 ml/h, 2 ml bolus dose and 15 min lockout interval. The VAS scores for pain at rest and during activity and uterine contraction pain, Ramsay sedation scores and adverse reactions were observed within 24 h after surgery.

Results The VAS scores for pain at rest and during activity and uterine contraction pain were all ≤4 points, the Ramsay scores were maintained at 2-3 points, hemodynamic parameters were maintained in the normal range, and no adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, hyperhidrosis, dizziness, pruritus, and respiratory depression occurred.

Conclusions PCIA with nalbuphine given, according to the method mentioned above, has good feasibility when used for analgesia following caesarean section.