An Economic Evaluation of Bupivacaine Plus Fentanyl Versus Ropivacaine Alone for Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia After Total-Knee Replacement Procedure: A Double-Blinded Randomized Study

Considering the economic evaluation, we conclude that PCEA with 0.0625% bupivacaine plus fentanyl 3 μg/mL is more cost effective and provides more patient satisfaction than PCEA with ropivacaine alone. However, use of epidural ropivacaine alone causes fewer opioid-related side effects, particularly pruritus and vomiting.