The purpose of this study was the investigation and treatment of all the complications that may occur from the epidural postoperative analgesia in patients who have undergone major orthopaedic surgery.

From October 1999 to April 2002, 200 patients ASA I- III, aged 45–90 (average 72) were studied. They all received postoperative epidural analgesia and were given a mixture of local anaesthetic and Opioid analgesic, more specifically Ropivacaine 2% 10 ml/h and Morphine 0, 1 ug/h via the epidural catheter by means of a stable infusion pump.

The analgesic effect covers the patients for the first 2–3 postoperative days and permits earlier and pain free mobilization and physiotherapy. The analgesic result of this method was completely satisfactory with a mean of VAS 96.

The most frequent side-effects were nausea and vomiting. Pruritus, mild hypotension, hypaesthesia and motor blockage were documented as well but in a very small percentage. No case of respiratory depression or medical toxicity was mentioned, neither epidural haematoma nor infection due to the placement of epidural catheter. The complications during the recovery phase were treated easily by discontinuation of the infusion or by symptomatic therapy.

Epidural analgesia with a steady infusion pump is a secure method of analgesia. However it is of great importance that the patient is informed about the epidural anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia, in a such a way as to attain his/ her consent, participation and collaboration for the best therapeutic result.