Lumbar epidural LA plus ketamine versus control

Lumbar epidural LA plus ketamine versus control

Pre-operative

PCEA-ropivacaine consumption was significantly lower in the lumbar epidural LA plus ketamine group compared with the placebo group (p<0.01); consumption of NSAIDs and metamizol was not significantly different between the two groups (postoperative analgesia was PCEA-ropivacaine [3.75 mg/ml; 5 ml, 10-min lockout, maximum, 200 mg in 4 h]; 50–100 mg NSAIDs or 1–2 g IV metamizol, as required) ((Himmelseher 2001); LoE 1); there were no significant differences between the treatment groups in the time taken from epidural injection to threshold (VAS >30 mm) at which supplemental analgesia was administered