title: Thoracic epidural anesthesia for major abdominal surgery: a retrospective study.
abstract: In 1986-1988, the authors had experiences with thoracic epidural anesthesia for a variety of major abdominal operations in 303 patients. It is proved to be reliable and effective. The puncture levels were between T8 to T12. 2% lidocaine, in plain form or with 1:200,000 epinephrine, was used as anesthetic agent. Perioperative complications were carefully managed with satisfactory results. Post-operative conditions were evaluated and seemed to be superior to those of general anesthesia in many aspects. No patient had neurologic deficit as a result of the epidural anesthesia. We concluded that thoracic epidural anesthesia is an excellent alternative technique in major abdominal surgeries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, Taipei Municipal Jen-Ai Hospital, Taipei.
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chao
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Y K
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae