[Continuous epidural anesthesia with 0.2% ropivacaine associated to general anesthesia for upper abdominal surgery in children.].

Background And Objectives: Several anesthetic techniques have been proposed for different pediatric surgeries to promote postoperative analgesia, among other advantages. This study aimed at evaluating propofol infusion rate and postanesthetic recovery of children submitted to upper abdominal surgeries under epidural anesthesia with 0.2% ropivacaine associated to general anesthesia with propofol or propofol plus sufentanil.

Methods: Participated in this study 26 children physical status ASA I, II and III, aged 0 to 4 years, were scheduled to upper abdominal surgeries under thoracic epidural anesthesia (T7-T8) with 0.2% ropivacaine (1.5 ml.kg-1). They were randomly distributed in two groups: Propofol (propofol infusion) and Sufentanil (propofol infusion plus 1 microg.kg-1 sufentanil). Propofol infusion rates were 20 and 10 mg.kg-1.h-1 for the Propofol and Sufentanil groups, respectively, adjusted to maintain blood pressure in approximately 20% of baseline values and withdrawn 10 to 15 minutes before estimated surgery completion. Postanesthetic recovery was evaluated by a modified Aldrete-Kroulik scale and sedation was evaluated by a 5 grade score.

Results: Techical difficulties excluded two children of each group. Infusion rate was significantly slower in the Sufentanil group as compared to the Propofol group during 100 minutes after beginning of surgery. Time for extubation and referral to post-anesthetic recovery unit (PACU) was significantly shorter for the Propofol group, however sedation intensity and duration were longer in this group as compared to Sufentanil group. Recovery scores were similar for both groups. Three hours after PACU admission all patients were meeting criteria to be transferred to the ward. Transient arterial hypotension was observed in 2 Sufentanil group patients.

Conclusions: Continuous thoracic epidural anesthesia with 0.2% ropivacaine (1.5 mg.kg-1) associated to propofol infusion provides effective and safe anesthesia for upper pediatric abdominal surgeries. Propofol infusion rate and sedation duration were decreased with the association of sufentanil.