Patient-controlled epidural analgesia with ropivacaine

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) with ropivacaine is a regional anesthetic intervention being evaluated by Fudan University for its potential to improve oncological outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer. The technique involves the administration of 0.15% ropivacaine through a thoracic epidural catheter, allowing for localized pain control and reduction of the systemic stress response. Ropivacaine acts as a long-acting amide-type local anesthetic by reversibly blocking sodium channels in nerve fibers, thereby inhibiting the conduction of pain signals. The primary objective of the associated clinical research is to investigate whether PCEA, compared to intravenous analgesia, enhances overall survival and disease-free survival by modulating neuroendocrine and inflammatory responses during the perioperative period.

Other names

PCEA-ropivacainePatient-controlled epidural analgesia