Epidural Analgesia Use in Pancreatic Resections

Epidural Analgesia Use in Pancreatic Resections

The rationale for this study is to investigate the benefits of epidural analgesia in pancreatic resections in a prospective, single blind, randomized control trial. This study will evaluate both short and long-term outcomes related to epidural analgesia, providing a longitudinal and comprehensive perspective to the advantages and disadvantages of this technique. The investigators hypothesize that the use of epidural analgesia reduces a patient's consumption of morphine or morphine-equivalent in the post-operative period following pancreatic resections.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Undergoing pancreatic resection.
• Age ≥18 years old.
• Able to understand and sign an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Indication for operative intervention being chronic pancreatitis.
• Currently on warfarin with an INR≥1.4 or clopidogrel that cannot be discontinued 7 days prior to surgery;
• Most recent INR prior to surgery >1.4
• Most recent platelet count prior to surgery <70,000/mcl
• Chronic opioid use as defined by use of more than 20mg oxycodone, or equivalent, daily.
• History of pre-existing neuropathic pain conditions.
• Not giving consent for study participation.
• Known medical history of significant psychiatric or cognitive impairment
• History of HIV, Hepatitis B, and/or Hepatitis C