Epidural anesthesia is a versatile technique widely used in anesthetic practice. Epidural anesthesia/analgesia is one of these advances that are gaining. Advances in analgesia/anesthesia have improved patient satisfaction and perioperative outcomes. satisfaction. This article outlines some recent aspects of epidural anesthesia.
Opioids remain the analgesic adjuvant of choice for augmenting the effects of local anesthetics in the epidural space. Epidural administration of fentanyl intraoperatively has been shown to significantly reduce volatile agent requirements by more than twofold in some instances. Despite the benefits of neuraxial opioids, side effects do occur. Some of the more common side effects are pruritus (specifically in the mid-facial area), nausea, and urinary retention. Hypotension can also occur which is attributed to the reduction of sympathetic outflow via opioid…
