Epidural Anesthesia and Analgesia in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Major Surgery

This case focuses on the effectiveness of using an epidural in high-risk patients undergoing surgery by asking the question: Do intraoperative epidural anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in high-risk patients presenting for major surgery decrease adverse outcomes compared with alternative analgesic regimens? This multicenter, randomized trial demonstrated improved pain control and a reduction in postoperative respiratory complications with the use of an epidural for intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in high-risk patients undergoing major surgery. A significant effect on overall complications or mortality was not demonstrated.