Effect of continuous extradural infusion of bupivacaine on diaphragmatic function after upper abdominal surgery
Kiya, T.; Fujimura, N.; Okanuma, M.; Namiki, A.
Masui. Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology 52(5): 500-504
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4892 PMID: 12795130 Document Number: 564138
Background: Diaphragmatic function is impaired after abdominal surgery. We investigated the effect of continuous extradural infusion of bupivacaine on diaphragmatic function after upper abdominal surgery using respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP). Methods: Ten healthy patients for upper abdominal surgery were divided into two groups'; the first group of patients with continuous extradural infusion of morphine (group 1) and the second group of patients with continuous extradural infusion of morphine and bupivacaine (group 2). Results: On the first day after surgery, there was no significant difference between the visual analogue scale scores in the two groups. Abdominal contribution to tidal volume (Vab/Vt) in group 1 was significantly decreased compared to that of the pre-operative value. Vab/Vt in group 2 was significantly higher than that in group 1. Conclusions: Continuous extradural infusion of bupivacaine improves diaphragmatic function after upper abdominal surgery.