Abstract | OBJECTIVE: SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA:
General anesthesia is the traditional anesthetic technique used in oncologic breast procedures. In March 1993, the authors initiated the use of high thoracic epidural anesthesia for patients undergoing oncologic breast surgery and reconstructive procedures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 136 operations performed by one surgeon (T.J.E.) at Brigham and Women's Hospital. A chi square analysis was used to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing general anesthesia and thoracic epidural anesthesia. RESULTS: CONCLUSION: Thoracic epidural anesthesia is a safe technique not associated with neurologic or respiratory complications. The use of thoracic epidural anesthesia for breast surgery could improve patients recovery and reduce the cost of these procedures.
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Authors | E P Lynch, K J Welch, J M Carabuena, T J Eberlein |
Journal | Annals of surgery
(Ann Surg)
Vol. 222
Issue 5
Pg. 663-9
(Nov 1995)
ISSN: 0003-4932 [Print] United States |
PMID | 7487214
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Anesthesia, Epidural
(adverse effects, methods)
- Anesthesia, General
(adverse effects)
- Breast Neoplasms
(surgery)
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Retrospective Studies
- Thorax
- Treatment Outcome
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