Comparative study of the clinical effects of general anesthesia versus combined general and epidural anesthesia in upper abdominal surgery

ABSTRACT

Fifty two adult patients of both sexes were anaesthetized for uper abdominal surgery and they were allocated into two equal groups. General anaesthesia was performed for the first group and was used as a control. The 2nd group received combined general and epidural analgesia between Th 8-9. Blood pressure, heart rote and blood gases were measured and proved no significant changes between the two groups except post-operative alterations of pa 0[2], which showed a significant change, which suggests improved ventilations. Good operative circumstances were observed in the combined group, in addition to reduction of analgesics, halothane percentage and meuromuscular blockers. Also it improve postoperative analgesia which facilitate early ambulation. Rapid recovery with pain relief help for good cantact with the surroundings. So combined general and epidural anaesthesia in, upper abdominal surgery is preferred