J Reconstr Microsurg 1988; 4(4): 327-329
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006939
TECHNICAL IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS

© 1988 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Epidural Anesthesia During Lower Extremity Free Tissue Transfer

William B. Strecker, Michael B. Wood, Denise J. Wedel
  • Departments of Orthopedics and Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester Minnesota
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1988

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

A continuous epidural bupivacaine infusion was used for anesthesia in 20 patients who underwent lower extremity free tissue transfer. In 60 percent of the patients, general anesthesia supplementation with nitrous oxide was used for comfort during prolonged lying on the operating table. In all cases, this technique provided adequate surgical anesthesia with no obvious untoward effects. The same infusion was used in seven patients who underwent further operative procedures a few days later. This technique is simple, requires minimal or no general anesthesia supplementation, provides a perioperative and postoperative sympathectomy effect, and provides postoperative analgesia or anesthesia for as long as it is continued.