Effect of continuous epidural 0.2% ropivacaine vs 0.2% bupivacaine on postoperative pain, motor block and gastrointestinal function after abdominal hysterectomy

We have investigated the effect of 24-h postoperative continuous epiduralinfusion of 0.2% ropivacaine or 0.2% bupivacaine 8 ml h-1 on pain, requestfor supplementary analgesics, motor block and gastrointestinal function, ina double-blind, randomized study in 60 patients undergoing openhysterectomy. There were no significant differences between groups in pain,number of patients requesting supplementary analgesics, motor block,ability to walk or time to first flatus or stool. In the subgroup ofpatients who received supplementary analgesics, patients in the ropivacainegroup received significantly more ketorolac than patients in thebupivacaine group. Time to discharge from hospital was similar withropivacaine and bupivacaine.