Cortisol and Insulin Levels during Major Gynaecological Operations: The influence of Two Anaesthetic Techniques

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and hormonal changes are noticed within the first few hours after surgical injury. These changes are influenced by the intensity, duration, type of injury, and the anaesthetic techniques. AIM: To investigate the effects of anaesthesia on cortisol, insulin and glucose concentrations during major gynaecological surgeries. METHODS: Forty patients were randomly allotted to receive either balanced general anaesthesia (n=20) or combined spinal epidural anaesthesia extending from T5 to S5 (n=20). Blood samples were collected for cortisol and glucose at preinduction, 1, 3 and 4 hours, and for insulin at preinduction and 24 hours after incision. RESULTS: The mean cortisol concentration was significantly lower 4 hours after incision with combined spinal epidural anaesthesia (19.96 ± 11.32) μg/dl than with balanced general anaesthesia (38.94 ± 10.6) μg/dl, p = 0.018. The mean insulin concentration, 24 hours after incision decreased with combined spinal epidural anaesthesia, but increased with balanced general anaesthesia p = 0.403. The mean glucose concentrations were significantly lower with combined spinal epidural anaesthesia than with balanced general anaesthesia during the 4 hour study period p ≤ 0.05. CONCLUSION: combined spinal epidural anaesthesia extending from T5 to S5 resulted in lower cortisol, insulin and glucose concentrations during major gynaecological surgeries. This may be of benefit in patients scheduled for surgical operations below the umbilicus.