Objective To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ropivacaine mesylate in uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). Methods Based on the concentration of ropivacaine applied in the operation, 80 UPPP patients were divided randomly into group A (0.15% ropivacaine), B (0.3% ropivacaine), C (0.6% ropivacaine) or D (no ropivacaine but placebo). Each group consisted of 20 cases. Under general anesthesia, 4Ml of corresponding ropivacaine mesylate were injected into the lower part of palatoglossal arch, while upper and middle parts of palatoglossal arch and upper part of palatopharyngeal arch were infiltrated with 2ml ropivacaine, respectively. For the group D, no ropivacaine but normal saline were applied. Postoperative blood oxygen saturation, breathing, blood pressure and electrocardiogram were monitored , as well as visual analogue scale score (VAS), Ramsay sedation score, use of analgesics at 2,4,6,12,24 and 48hours after the operation. Results VAS score of group A was lower than that of group D at 6th hours after the operation(P<0.05); VAS score of Group B and C were lower than that of group D at 48th hours(P<0.05); Ramsay sedation scores of the four groups were not significantly different; The usage of analgesics in group A, B and C all were lower than group D(P<0.05). In three patients in group C and four in group D, swallowing disorder were noted. No difference of sideeffects among the four groups were significant. Conclusion Ropivacaine shows satisfying pain control and safety in uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, esp. 0.3% ropivacaine.
