Effect of epidural and general anaesthesia compared with general anaesthesia alone in large bowel anastomoses. A prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To find out whether patients did better after operations that entailed a large bowel anastomosis if they were given combined epidural and general anaesthesia with spontaneous ventilation rather than standard general anaesthesia with muscle relaxation and ventilation.


METHODS
Prospective randomised trial.


METHODS
Specialist unit, teaching hospital.


METHODS
80 patients undergoing large bowel anastomoses.


METHODS
Incidence of chest infection, wound infection, anastomotic breakdown, urinary tract infection, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, median hospital stay and death.


RESULTS
There were no differences between the groups, but the results were better during the trial period (1985-89) than during the period 1978-83.


CONCLUSIONS
Factors that influence anastomotic healing are complex and improved surgical techniques, postoperative monitoring and patient care may account for the improvement in results compared with the earlier period.
Colorectal Unit, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
P
P
Ryan
S A
SA
Schweitzer
R J
RJ
Woods
D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002045:Bupivacaine; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D005283:Fentanyl; D006221:Halothane; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D013874:Thiopental
D013874:Thiopental; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D005283:Fentanyl; D006221:Halothane; D002045:Bupivacaine