Abstract

Clonidine, α2-adrenergic agonist, applied spinally or epidurally has been shown to be effective in blocking noxious stimuli in human applications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the analgesic effect of epidurally administered clonidine. In 40 patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy or anal fistulectomy, 1.33% lidocaine 15ml (Group I) or 1.33% lidocaine mixed with 75µg clonidine (Group II) administered epidurally through sacral hiatus. Intraoperative changes of vital signs and duration of postoperative analgesic effects were observed. The results were as follows: 1) In the group I, average analgesic duration was 2.42 hours. 2) In the group II, average analgesic duration was 7.32 hours. 3) After epidural clonidine injection, the decrease in heart rate and blood pressure was not significant without sedation. 4) Postoperatively, any complaints related clonidine were not reported. In conclusion, postoperative pain control with epidural clonidine was effective.