ROLE OF PREOPERATIVE EPIDURAL ANALGESIA IN POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LIMB ISCHEMIA AND REST PAIN

Introduction:Rest pain in patients with chronic limb ischemia is very severe and intolerable one, hence it is often quoted as cry of dying nerves. All these patients require highly effective analgesia for control of pain. Epidural analgesia is known for its effective analgesic property. Its role in post operative period is well documented and known. But its role in preoperative period for these patients is poorly understood. Here we analyze role of preoperative epidural analgesia in postoperative outcome of patients with chronic limb ischemia and rest pain. Material and Methods:It is a prospective study done in 40 patients which analyze role of preoperative epidural analgesia in postoperative outcome of patients with chronic limb ischemia and rest pain who are undergoing bypass revascularization procedures. Here 20 patients each separated in two groups, group 1 – those received preoperative epidural analgesia for 48 hours prior to surgery and group 2 those who not received preoperative epidural analgesia. Results:It was found postoperative wound infections, limb salvage rates and adverse myocardial events were lower in group 1 patients those received preoperative epidural analgesia. Conclusion:Hence preoperative epidural analgesia has beneficial role in postoperative outcome of patients with chronic limb ischemia and rest pain.