general anesthesia + epidural analgesia

This combined anesthetic and analgesic regimen is a specific intervention protocol utilized in clinical research by Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, notably in the MUSCLE trial (NCT03452410). The protocol involves the induction of general anesthesia through the intravenous administration of fentanyl and propofol, paired with regional analgesia provided via a thoracic epidural catheter delivering lidocaine (Xylocaine) and epinephrine. The primary objective of this combination is to investigate its impact on perioperative muscle weakness and the neuro-endocrine stress response in patients undergoing elective surgeries, such as hip arthroplasty or hemicolectomy. By utilizing epidural blockade, researchers aim to mitigate the systemic stress response typically induced by surgery, which may contribute to postoperative muscle catabolism and weakness.

Other names

General anesthesia and epidural analgesiaGA + EA