Relief of pain following upper abdominal operations by thoracic epidural block with etidocaine.

Bupivacaine and etidocaine were compared in 0.375% and 0.5% solutions (without adrenaline) in a double-blind study in thoracic epidural analgesia following upper abdominal surgery. Special regard was taken to duration and adequacy of analgesia and changes in motor function. Duration of analgesia was roughly comparable for all four solutions. Bupivacaine 0.375% and etidocaine 0.5% seemed to be appropriate concentrations for adequate pain relief. Motor function, as assessed by changes in FVC, FEV1 and PEFR was not influenced to any greater extent. A progressive fall in FVC with successive injections, indicating increasing motor weakness, did not occur.