To date, no published study has investigated the use of epidural pethidine following lumbar laminectomy. Pethidine has some theoretical advantage over other agents used.14 As an opioid with intermediate lipid solubility, it is less likely to leave the epidural space than fentanyl. The low lipid solubility of morphine increases its likelihood of causing central respiratory depression as it crosses the dura to the site of action at a slower rate than pethidine.14 Pethidine also has an intrinsic local anaesthetic activity.