[Characteristics of prolonged epidural anesthesia in surgery of the magistral vessels].

Prolonged epidural anesthesia has been analysed in 288 patients operated on for atherosclerosis and vascular stenosis. To prolong anesthesia the authors have for the first time administered morphilong into the epidural space. The efficacy of anesthesia was assessed by Nanovoltaampere meter P-341 used for the measurement of skin potential, which in the course of anesthesia decreased by 40-50%. The quality of anesthesia was assessed by microcirculation state. It is recommended during surgery on major vessels to extend the area of epidural anesthesia towards the lower extremities. Analgesia with morphilong was effective for 22.3 +/- 4 h. Complications during anesthesia were observed in 31.2% of patients, in 6.2% of cases they required drug therapy. The incidence of postoperative pneumonias after epidural anesthesia reduced from 8 to 1.6% as compared to conventional anesthesia techniques.