Comparison of morphine/droperidol and tramadol/droperidol mixture for patient controlled analgesia (PCA) after cardiac surgery: a prospective, randomised, double-blind study

Aim: To determine whether a tramadol/droperidol PCA is as efficacious but causes less respiratory depression and sedation than a morphine/droperidol PCA in post cardiac surgical patients.Methods: A single centre, randomised double-blind study of 40 patients was performed. Group one or control (20) patients received a morphine/droperidol PCA and group two or experimental patients received a tramadol/droperidol PCA after cardiac surgery. PCA was commenced after extubation in the ICU, as is normal practice at this institution. Study continued for 24 h and the following data was collected; PCA consumption, pain, nausea and sedation scores as well as patient satisfaction/recovery (QoRS) score.Results: No difference between groups was detected for demographic variables. There was no statistically significant difference between groups for dose or duration of PCA use or in recorded pain scores. The morphine group had a significantly higher QoRS score. Both groups had a very low incidence of nausea.Conclusion: Tramadol/droperidol PCA does not confer a better recovery after cardiac surgery when compared to morphine/droperidol PCA.