Journal of endourology
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Journal of endourology · Nov 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of thoracic epidural analgesia combined with general anesthesia on intraoperative ventilation/oxygenation and postoperative pulmonary complications in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) on intraoperative ventilation/oxygenation and postoperative pulmonary complications in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy requiring high-pressure pneumoperitoneum and the extreme head-down position. ⋯ TEA combined with general anesthesia improved intraoperative ventilation/oxygenation. Although clinical and radiologic pulmonary complications were not significantly influenced, TEA can be considered an option for patients with limited reserve capacity or preexisting impairments of visceral blood flow.