Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) for elderly patients.Methods:900 patients after operation (except for cerebral operation) were allocated to the aged group ( n =600

aged 65～90 years

ASAⅡ-Ⅳ) or the control group (young or middle-age group

n =300

aged 18～63 years

ASAⅠ-Ⅲ) and received PCIA.The PCIA solution consist of tramadol 600 mg

fentanyl 0.3 mg

droperidol 5 mg and NS 40 ml.Loading dose 3～5 ml

background infusion 0.7～1 ml/h

bolus 0.5ml

lockout time 10～15 min.The intensity of pain

level of sedation

scale of comfort and side effects were assessed.Meanwhile

RR

MAP

HR

SpO 2 were monitored and the total dosage of analgesic were recorded also.Results:There was no significant difference in VAS (Visual analogue scale)

RSS(Ramesay sedation)

and BCS (Bruggrmann comfort scale) in both groups.But

the consumption of the aged group was significantly fewer.The incidence of the adverse effects was lower in both groups and there was no significant difference between groups.The respiration and circulation was smooth in both groups throughout analgesia period.Conclusion:The efficacy of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) in elderly patients is good.The incidence of adverse effects is low.With adequate dosage and monitoring PCIA can be used safely for elderly postoperative analgesia.