Clinical Trial Comparing Epidurals and Local Anaesthetic Wound Catheters in Patients Having Bowel Surgery

Continuous Wound Infiltration With Local Anaesthetic vs. Epidurals in an Enhanced Recovery Protocol: A Randomised Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to find out whether the use of Painbuster® (a local anaesthetic wound catheter) can be used instead of epidurals for patients having bowel surgery in an enhanced recovery programme. The investigators want to find out whether or not using this device means people need to stay in hospital for less time after surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients who are undergoing either laparoscopic or open colorectal resection will be considered eligible for the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under 18 years of age
• Pregnant females
• Patients undergoing an abdominoperineal resection
• Patients unable to understand English