EFFECTS OF EPIDURAL DIAMORPHINE ON THE SOMATOSENSORY EVOKED-POTENTIAL TO POSTERIOR TIBIAL NERVE-STIMULATION

We have studied the effects of the epidural administration of diamorphine 0.1 mg/kg at the L3–4 interspace on somatosensory evoked potentials in the cervical epidural space before corrective surgery for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. A further eight patients in whom anaesthesia was maintained with a propofol infusion acted as a control group. Epidural diamorphine had no effect on the latency or amplitude of the evoked potentials. We conclude that epidural diamorphine is a suitable technique to use in scoliosis surgery because of its lack of effect on neurophysiological variables, although the potential respiratory problems need investigation. Copyright © 1991, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved