Comparative study between thoracic epidural and general anesthesia for modified radical mastectomy

Comparison between thoracic epidural and general anesthesia for breast surgeries.

The aim was to compare general anesthesia and thoracic epidural anesthesia in patients undergoing breast cancer surgeries on the basis of intra operative hemodynamic parameters, post-operative analgesic requirement and side effects such as nausea, vomiting, sedation and hemodynamic variability.

A randomized double blind study was conducted on 60 ASA grade I, II and III females who received thoracic epidural anesthesia in group I (N=30) and general anesthesia in group II (N=30). Assessment of the block, vital monitoring and complications were noted.

No significant differences were observed in both the groups. Hypotension and pruritus was more frequent in patients who underwent epidural anesthesia while hyper-tension was more common in patients with general anesthesia. Degree of patient satisfaction was similar in both the groups.

Thoracic epidural anesthesia is safe and reliable alternative to general anesthesia in women undergoing modified radical breast surgeries.