A novel electrically assisted iontophoretic system for transdermal delivery of fentanyl ‘E-Trans’ (fentanyl) may be a shot in the arm for effective transdermal analgesia. The opioid analgesic fentanyl has been available as a parenteral preparation for approximately 20 years and, more recently, as a passive transdermal formulation. However, the treatment of acute and post-operative pain with patient controlled analgesia (PCA) or passive transdermal delivery of fentanyl is currently limited by mechanical or practical difficulties. Positive results of the new fentanyl electrotransport system were reported at the 5th Congress of the European Society of Anaesthesiologists [Lausanne, Switzerland; May 1997].