The Application of Thoracic Epidural Analgesia in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis

Thoracic epidural analgesia is performed by a standardized anesthesia team. Patients are positioned in the lateral decubitus position, and routine disinfection is performed. The puncture site is selected at the T7-T9 level. When encountering sudden disappearance of resistance and appearance of negative pressure during needle advancement, it is determined that the needle has entered the epidural space. After confirming needle tip placement in the epidural space with a test dose, an epidural catheter is inserted approximately 3-5cm cephalad and securely fixed in place. The test dose consists of 3 mL of 1% lidocaine injection solution, administered to observe the level of anesthesia, confirming the effectiveness and safety of the epidural anesthesia. Subsequently, a maintenance regimen of 0.15% ropivacaine 250mL with 2.5mg of hydroma.