01-08-2003 | Laryngology
Ropivacaine compared to lidocaine for tonsillectomy under local anaesthesia
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 7/2003
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The aim of the present study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of ropivacaine compared to lidocaine for tonsillectomy under local anaesthesia. During the last 2 years, 77 patients undergoing tonsillectomy under local anaesthesia in the seated position were randomised to receive ropivacaine or lidocaine. The following parameters were recorded: time to surgical anaesthesia, the duration of the procedure, postoperative pain, the need for analgesics during the first 10 h after surgery, cardiac arrhythmias, the occurrence of allergic reaction and larynx spasm. It took significantly longer to reach surgical anaesthesia in the ropivacaine patients (8.3±1.3 min versus 2.7±0.8 min.), but the pain immediately following the procedure was significantly lower (1.0±0.4 versus 2.6±1.0). Adjuvant analgetics were administered later and in significantly lower doses in the ropivacaine patients. There were no adverse reactions. In conclusion, ropivacaine in local tonsillectomy is safe, has a longer onset-time, but is more efficient concerning postoperative pain than lidocaine.