Epidural analgesia does not influence anastomotic leakage incidence after open colorectal surgery for cancer: A retrospective study on 1,474 patients

摘要

BackgroundAnastomotic leakage is a major cause of morbidity after colorectal surgery. Epidural analgesia is the most effective method for postoperative pain relief after major abdominal surgery. Anyhow, its effect on anastomotic leakage rate is still controversial. This study aimed to compare epidural versus intravenous analgesia as risk factor for anastomotic leakage requiring reoperation in patients undergoing open colorectal surgery for cancer.