The effect of preoperative sublingual buprenorphine on postoperative pain after lumbar discectomy: A randomized controlled trial

Lumbar discectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed to manage pain caused by the protrusion of an intervertebral disc. Postoperative pain management can be challenging and might lead to increased intake of opioids. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of preoperative sublingual buprenorphine on severity of pain after lumbar disc surgery and postoperative intake of morphine. This Randomized clinical trial study was performed on 78 patients who were selected for lumbar discectomy surgery. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 39 patients, each. Patients in the buprenorphine and placebo group received 2 mg buprenorphine sublingual, and placebo 1 h before surgery. Severity of pain, nausea, vomiting and pruritus and intake of opioids in the two groups were evaluated and recorded 1, 6, 12 and 24 h after surgery. Data were analyzed using SPSSv21. There was a significant difference in pain score in buprenorphine group at 1, 6, 12, and compared with placebo (P 0.05). Sublingual buprenorphine in postoperative pain management is an effective and low dose drug. Due to its simpler administration, it is recommended to relief postoperative pain after lumbar disc surgery. •Lumbar discectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed to manage pain.•Postoperative pain management can be challenging and might lead to increased intake of opioids.•Sublingual buprenorphine in postoperative pain management is an effective and low dose drug.•It is recommended to relief postoperative pain after lumbar disc surgery.