Epidural Versus Wound Infusion Plus Morphine Bolus in Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Analgesia Postoperatoria Mediante Catetere Perdurare e Analgesia Postoperatoria Mediante Infusione Continua Periferia Nell'Intervento Chirurgico Per Riparazione Chirurgica di Aneurismi Dell'Aorta Addominale: Tecniche a Confronto

The aim of the study is to determine wether continuous wound infusion with local anaesthetic plus a single dose intravenous morphine is non-inferior to postoperative analgesia provided with continuous thoracic epidural infusion of local anaesthetic plus opiate, in patients undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurism repair.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Scheduled for elective open aortic aneurism repair

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient refusal
• Platelet count < 80*10^3/mcL
• International Normalised Ratio > 1.5
• Other contraindications to the placement of epidural catheter, including ongoing anti platelet or anticoagulant treatment not suspended according to national guidelines