Impact of Continuous Intra and Post operative Thoracic Epidural Fentanyl–Bupivacaine Infusion on Patients Undergoing Major Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery

Abstract

Background: Major Upper gastrointestinal cancer surgeries induce postoperative pain, that if not controlled may cause various organ dysfunctions and prolonged hospital and ICU stay. Thus an appropriate pain therapy to those patients must be applicated. Objective: To investigate the effects of Continuous intra and post operative thoracic epidural Fentanyl– bupivacaine infusion in patients undergoing Major Upper gastrointestinal cancer Surgery. Methods: 60 patients (ASA II) of either sex were scheduled for elective Upper gastrointestinal cancer surgeries. Patients were allocated randomly into two groups (30 patients each) to receive, beside GA: continuous intra and post -operative intravenous infusion with fentanyl for 72 hours post-operatively (control group) or continuous intra and post -operative epidural infusion with bupivacaine 0.125% and fentanyl (TEA group) for 72 hours postoperatively. Intra-operative haemodynamics and fluid shift (blood loss, blood transfusion and colloid transfusion) were recorded. Postoperative pain was assessed over 72 h using visual analogue scale (VAS). And post-operative haemodynamics, sedation score and overall fentanyl consumption were recorded. Any concomitant side effects like nausea; vomiting, pruritus or respiratory complications were recorded postoperatively.