Thromb Haemostasis
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effects of epidural-and-general anesthesia combined versus general anesthesia alone on the venous hemodynamics of the lower limb. A randomized study.
Our hypothesis was that, due to its sympatholytic action, epidural anesthesia (EA) administered as part of anesthesia in abdominal surgery would generate a marked venous leg flow enhancement, thus aiding in the prevention of peroperative venous stasis. We studied, and comprehensively quantified the venous haemodynamic changes in the lower limb during and immediately after abdominal surgery performed under EA and general (GA) anesthesia combined, in comparison to GA alone. This is a prospective, randomized, controlled study, stratified for hypertension and smoking, comprising ASA 1-2 patients undergoing elective total abdominal hysterectomy. ⋯ Contrary to the venous leg flow attenuation in elective abdominal surgery under GA and upon its recovery, EA administered as part of GA is associated with a significant enhancement of both V(mean) and V(Q). This beneficial hemodynamic effect of EA at the vulnerable stage of recovery may be critically essential in light of enhanced blood viscosity, fibrinolytic shut-down, endothelial/platelet activation and immobility, acting in synergy with putative cardiorespiratory protection. The results of this study lend support to the preferential selection of combined EA/GA in subjects at high risk for venous thromboembolism, particularly when optimal DVT prophylaxis is practically unattainable due to limitations pertaining to the nature of surgery.