title: Comparison of continuous and intermittent administration of extradural bupivacaine for analgesia after lower abdominal surgery.
abstract: We have compared intermittent bolus and continuous infusion of extradural local anaesthetic for pain relief in a randomized, double-blind study of 48 patients who underwent major abdominal gynaecological surgery. Each patient received 5 ml of 0.375% bupivacaine hourly, either as a bolus over 5 min or as a constant infusion. Patients who received the intermittent administration technique maintained a more extensive sensory block, reported marginally better analgesia and had a lower requirement for rescue medication. The intermittent bolus technique was not associated with an increase in side effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthetics, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Fried
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Wildsmith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000379:methods*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002045:Bupivacaine