Ropivacain 0.2% versus bupivacain 0.125% plus sufentanil for continuous epidural analgesia after extended abdominal surgery

Conclusion: Objective: An improved opioid-free analgesia concept using thoracic epidural anlgesia with a low concentrated local anaesthetic alone could he of practical interest for hospitals which are unable to guarantee continuous monitoring on the wards. Methods: We have compared in a prospective, randomized, double-blind study, the analgesic effects and side effects of ropivacaine 0.2% (Group 1) with bupivacaine 0.125% plus 0.5 mu gml(-1) sufentanil (Group 2) via a thoracic epidural catheter during the first 24 hours after major abdominal surgery in 28 gynaecological tumour patients. Assessments were performed 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 hours after surgery. Results: No differences were seen in duration of surgery, intraoperative opioid and supplemental analgesic requirements. As a main result VAS values for pain during mobilisation were higher in Group 1 when compared with Group 2 (p < 0.01) after 20 and 24 hours of continuous epidural infusion (10 mlh(-1)) whereas VAS values at rest were comparable (p < 0.1) at all measurepoints. Intensity of motor block and side effects did not differ between groups. Conclusion: The present study shows that continuous epidural infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine alone provides comparable analgesia at rest, but less profound pain relief during mobilisation within the first 24 hours after major abdominal surgery than bupivacaine 0.125% with sufentanil.