Comparative efficacy and safety of nalbuphine and hydromorphone in painless colonoscopy techniques: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Colonoscopy is important for finding problems in the colon, but it can be uncomfortable for patients. New techniques are being developed to make this process less painful. In these painless procedures, doctors use anesthesia outside of the operating room, which requires careful monitoring of patients. This study looks at two pain relief medications, nalbuphine and hydromorphone, to see which one makes patients more comfortable while keeping their vital signs stable during colonoscopy.

Study Methods

This study involved 72 adult patients aged 18 to 65 who needed sedation for colonoscopy. The patients were randomly split into two groups. One group received nalbuphine, and the other received hydromorphone. Doctors monitored patients’ heart rates, oxygen levels, and blood pressure throughout the procedure. They also tracked how long the colonoscopy took, any side effects, and levels of satisfaction from the anesthesiologist, gastroenterologist, and patients.

Results

Both medications were effective in keeping patients’ vital signs stable, showing no major differences between the two groups. However, patients who received nalbuphine experienced fewer issues like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches compared to those who received hydromorphone. This indicates that nalbuphine may lead to a more comfortable experience after the procedure.

Conclusions

Both nalbuphine and hydromorphone work well for managing pain during a colonoscopy, but nalbuphine provides better comfort after the procedure. This makes nalbuphine a better choice for outpatient colonoscopy procedures. More research is needed to fine-tune dosages and understand how these medications help manage pain during these procedures.

Opportunities for Clinics and Patients

Based on the study findings, clinics should consider using nalbuphine for outpatient colonoscopy to enhance patient comfort and reduce side effects. Setting clear goals for patient satisfaction and monitoring outcomes can help assess the effectiveness of these pain management strategies.

Next Steps

Clinics can implement these findings by starting pilot projects to track patient outcomes with nalbuphine and using technology to analyze results. This will help in understanding the real-world impact of these medications and improve patient care.