Effect of continuous extradural infusion of bupivacaine on diaphragmatic function after upper abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic function is impaired after abdominal surgery. We investigated the effect of continuous extradural infusion of bupivacaine on diaphragmatic function after upper abdominal surgery using respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP). METHODS: Ten healthy patients for upper abdominal surgery were divided into two groups; the first group of patients with continuous extradural infusion of morphine (group 1) and the second group of patients with continuous extradural infusion of morphine and bupivacaine (group 2). RESULTS: On the first day after surgery, there was no significant difference between the visual analogue scale scores in the two groups. Abdominal contribution to tidal volume (VAB/VT) in group 1 was significantly decreased compared to that of the pre-operative value. VAB/VT in group 2 was significantly higher than that in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous extradural infusion of bupivacaine improves diaphragmatic function after upper abdominal surgery.