Combined general-epidural anesthesia inhibits stress response of the aged undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Objective: To compare the difference of the stress response of aged patients receiving laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) under general anesthesia or combined general-epidural anesthesia.Methods: Forty patients were divided randomly into two groups:groupⅠ(general anesthesia) and group Ⅱ(combined general-epidural anesthesia).The plasma concentration of cortisone,glucose,SBP and HR were measured in difference periods.Results: Cortisone,glucose and SBP were significantly higher in group Ⅰ than in group Ⅱ from 15 min after pneumoperitonium to 15 min after discharging CO₂(P<0.05 to P<0.01).HR was significantly higher in group Ⅰ than in group Ⅱ 15 min after discharging CO₂(P<0.05).Conclusions: Combined general-epidural anesthesia can effectively inhibit the stress response,which ensures the safety of aged patients undergoing laparoscopy cholecystectomy.