Effects of ropivacaine combined with sulfentanyl in epidural anesthesia for caesarean section

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. Key words: Ropivacaine; Sulfentanyl; Anesthesia, epidural; Caesarean section