[Epidural anesthesia with ropivacaine by computerized infusion pump].

Objective: To explore the feasibility of epidural anesthesia with ropivacaine by computerized infusion pump.

Methods: Sixty patients scheduled for obstetric operation were divided into a continuous pump infusion group (Group A, n=30) and a conventional injection group (Group B, n=30). The initial doses of 0.75% ropivacaine 12 mL and 15 mL were respectively injected into the patient's epidural space in Group A and Group B. The dose of 6 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine per hour was continuously pumped to maintain the anesthesia till the end of the operation in Group A, and 6 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine was injected 80 min later in Group B.

Results: Blood pressure in some patients markedly decreased at 90 min after the first injection in Group B while it is relatively stable in Group A (P<0.05). The number of patients who had to inject ephedrine to raise the blood pressure in Group A was smaller than that in Group B during the operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the anesthetic level between Group A and Group B (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Epidural anesthesia with ropivacaine by computerized infusion pump is safe, which can not only provide an excellent anesthetic effect but also keep the hemodynamics stable.