Abstract: ObjectiveTo compare the clinical effect of 0.2% ropivacaine and bupivacaine combined with fentanyl respectively for postoperative continuous epidural analgesia(CEA).Methods50 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) grade Ⅰ~Ⅱ after abdomen operation were divided randomly into group ropivacaine + fentanyl(RF) and bupivacaine + fentanyl(BF). 5min before operation finished, group RF was given 0.2% ropivacaine plus 5 μg/ml fentanyl 5 ml, group BF was given 0.2% bupivacaine plus 5μg/ml fentanyl 5ml, and followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine or bupivacaine plus 2 μg/ml fentanyl 2 ml/h at the end of operation respectively. The analgesic and paralytic effects expressed in VAS and modified Bromage degrees respectively were recorded 1h, 8h, 24h and 48h after operation.ResultsThere were no significant difference between group RF and group BF in VAS scales(P>0.05), but there were significant difference between group RF and group BF in modified Bromage degrees (P<0.05).ConclusionRopivacaine and bupivacaine combined with fentanyl could be safely and effectively used for postoperative analgesia. Because of the lower incidence of complications, ropivacaine combined with fentanyl will be more satisfactory.

Key words: ropivacaine, bupivacaine, fentanyl, continues epidural analgesia