Articles: analgesia.
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The misplacement of a multihole (three lateral holes) epidural catheter such that it lies partly in the subdural space is demonstrated in two patients by means of epidurographic studies.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Apr 1996
Postoperative analgesia with continuous epidural sufentanil and bupivacaine: a prospective study in 614 patients.
To assess the efficacy and safety of postoperative analgesia with continuous epidural sufentanil and bupivacaine, we performed a prospective study in 614 patients undergoing major surgery. Before surgical incision, all patients received an initial dose of 50 micrograms sufentanil in 6-10 mL bupivacaine 0.125% via a lumbar or thoracic catheter. After 1 h, a continuous infusion was started with 50 micrograms sufentanil in 50 mL bupivacaine 0.125% at a rate of 6-10 mL/h. ⋯ Late respiratory depression was observed in three patients; in most patients only minor side effects were seen. Technical complications during epidural puncture or insertion of the catheter were 4% and 3%, respectively. We conclude that continuous epidural sufentanil and bupivacaine is safe and effective.