The Effect of Combined General/Epidural Anesthesia Versus General Anesthesia on Diaphragmatic Function

"Before the induction of anesthesia, epidural catheter was inserted in group GE at T8/9, T9/10, or T10/11 interspinous space with a 17-gauge Tuohy needle in lateral decubitus position and advanced 5 cm cephalad. .~Epidural analgesia was maintained using the patient-controlled analgesia technique containing 250 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine and 2 μg/mL fentanyl with setting of 5 mL/hr for continuous infusion and 0.5 mL of bolus dose. Lockout time was set to 15 min.~General anesthesia was induced with 2 mg/kg of propofol and 50 mg of rocuronium. After tracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane. All the patients were ventilated with controlled mode of 8 mL/kg of ideal body weight and respiratory rate was adjusted to maintain end-tidal carbon dioxide between 35-40 mmHg."

"Patients allocated to general anesthesia group and DID NOT receive epidural anesthesia.~General anesthesia was induced with 2 mg/kg of propofol and 50 mg of rocuronium. After tracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane. All the patients were ventilated with controlled mode of 8 mL/kg of ideal body weight and respiratory rate was adjusted to maintain end-tidal carbon dioxide between 35-40 mmHg."