Epidural Analgesia (EDA) Versus Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) in Laparoscopic Colon Surgery

Epidural Analgesia (EDA) Versus Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) in Laparoscopic Colon Surgery: A Monocentric Controlled Non-blinded Randomized Superiority Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a epidural analgesia versus patient controlled analgesia reduces the medical recovery in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colon surgery.

Allocation by individual random number generated by a computer program to either EDA or PCA for 48h after laparoscopic colonic surgery.

Short, both groups are treated according to a recent Fast track protocol. Group A will preoperatively receive a mid thoracic EDA (th 8-9; naropine 0,1%) while group B will receive a PCA (morphine) postoperatively. Both EDA and PCA are removed the afternoon at day 2. Patients with a non-functioning EDA within the first 24h will be crossed over to the PCA group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients admitted for elective laparoscopic colonic surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18y
• No informed consent
• Emergency situation
• Contraindication for EDA (according to local Anesthesia guidelines)