Effects of ropivacaine combined with sulfentanyl in epidural anesthesia for caesarean section / 中国医师进修杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To assess the effects and side effects of ropivacaine combined with sulfentanyl in epidural anesthesia for caesarean section. Methods Two hundred ASA Ⅰ- Ⅱ patients scheduled for elective caesarean section were randomly divided into 2 groups (100 cases each)group S received 0.75% ropivacaine and 0.75 μg/ml sulfentanyl; and group R received 0.75 % ropivacaine. Epidural space L2-3 was punctured and the catheter was put upward 3 cm in all patients. Local anesthetic agents were administered until a complete sensory block was established extending upper T4-T6. In the operation, Bp, HR,SpO2, ECG were observed and the onset time, the upper spread and duration of sensory block were recorded.Assessed anesthetic efficacy and side-effects on newborn. Results The onset time [(4.5±1.2) min], the time needed to reach the highest sensory level [ ( 13±5) min ] were significantly shorter and the duration of sensory block [ (402±150 ) min ] was significantly longer in group S than those in group R (P < 0.05 ). There was no significant difference in the side effects such as tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, and shivering. Apgar score in newborn was not affected. Conclusion The anesthetic efficacy of epidural 0.75% ropivacaine is significantly enhanced which also has smaller local anesthetic requirements and low incidence of side-effects,in epidural anesthesia for caesarean section when sulfentanyl is added.