Continuous Thoracic Epidural Anesthesia with 0.2% Ropivacaine Versus General Anesthesia for Perioperative Management of Modified Radical Mastectomy
Anesth Analg 2001 92: 1552-1557.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
Implications: Ropivacaine 0.2%, a new, long-acting local anesthetic used for continuous thoracic epidural anesthesia, is a safe and reliable alternative to general anesthesia for patients undergoing breast surgery because of cancer. It facilitates recovery from anesthesia, significantly reduces postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting, and positively contributes to the patient's overall outcome.