Effect of small dose ketamine on efficacy of PCIA with sufentanil after abdominal surgery in aged patients

Objective To evaluate the effect of small dose ketamine on the efficacy of intravenous PCA (POA) with sufentanil after intra-abdominal surgery in aged patients.Methods Sixty ASA Ⅰ orⅡpatienm aged 65-82 yr undergoing elective intra-abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were randomized into 3 groups (n=20 each)according to the composition of PCIA solution:group I sufentanil 200 μg in 200 ml of noilnal saline (group S);group μ sufentanil 200μh+ketmine 100 mg in NS 200 ml(group K1)and group Ⅲ sufentannil 200 μg+ketmine 200 mg in NS 200 ml(group K2).A loading dose of 5 ml wag given at the end of operation.The PCIA setting was as follows:backgound infusion 1 ml/h,bolus dose 2 ml,lockout interval 5 min and 4-hour maximum dose 30 m1.If VAS score(0=no pain,10=womt pain)was≥7,pethidine 25 mg was given iv.The total amount of pethidine given within 48 h after operation and postoperative complications including nausea and vomiting and respiratory depression were recorded.Results Small dose ketamine added to the PCIA solution can significantly reduce the amount of pethidine administered after operation in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion Small dose ketamine can improve the efficacy of PCIA with sufentanil after intra-abdominal surgery in aged patients with no significant adverse effect. Key words: Ketamino; Sufentanil; Analgesia,patient-controlled; Aged