Ropivacane 0.1 % with or without fentanyl for epidural postoperative analgesia: a randomized, double-blind comparison.

Epidural analgesia is often considered optimal postoperative analgesia for certain surgical procedures. Ropivacaine is a new local anesthetic that is less toxic than its homologue, bupivacaine. Epidural infusions usually comprise a local anesthetic, an opioid, or a combination of the two to improve analgesic efficacy and reduce unwanted side effects.