Abstract: ObjectiveTo compare the effect of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) on pulmonary function in post-thoracotomy patients.Methods33 ASA Ⅰ～Ⅱ patients undergoing selective esophagectomy were randomly divided into the PCEA group (n=16, treated with morphine plus bupivacaine) and PCIA group (n=17, treated with morphine plus droperidol) for 3 days postoperatively. Pulmonary function indices including respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (Vt), vital capacity (Vc) and pulse oximetry (SpO₂) were recorded before operation and on the first 2 days after operation. Pain scores with visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest, deep breathing and with cough, and adverse effects were also recorded.ResultsRR increased, Vt , Vc and SpO₂ decreased markedly in both groups postoperatively compared with the base line (P<0.01), but there were no significant differences between two groups. VAS scores were much lower in PCEA group, especially, when the patient was at deep breathing or during coughing (P<0.001).ConclusionPCEA is superior to PCIA in pain relief, but contributes no more than PCIA in improving pulmonary function in post-thoracotomy patients.

Key words: analgesia, patient-controlled, patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA), patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA), pulmonary function