Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 7, 149-157, Copyright © 1960 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

Epidural Anaesthesia for Lumbar Laminectomy and Spinal Fusion

¹ Department of Anaesthesiology, Vancouver General Hospital, and the University of British Columbia

In a study of 211 cases of lumbar laminectomy and/or spinal fusion for correction of non-infective and non-malignant conditions, a comparison is made among various methods of anaesthesia and particularly with regard to blood loss and "dryness" of the surgical field. Epidural analgesia is considered a very satisfactory method for these operations, because of the relatively good operating conditions which it provides, together with minimal peroperative and postoperative upset to the patient. Its particular value lies in the fact that the depth of the surgical field remains relatively dry, thus ensuring an unobscured view of the more vital structures, and facilitating the approach to the diseased disk,, as well as reducing the oozing of blood during spinal fusion. Its disadvantages lie mainly in the limited duration of its action and in the occasional technical difficulty in performing the block. It has not been shown in this series to possess any superiority to other methods, in providing a dry surgical field in repeat operations on the lumbar spine.

Note:

Presented at the Section of Anaesthesia, Conjoint Meeting British Medical Association and Canadian Medical Association, Edinburgh, July 22, 1959.