Differential effects of controlled hypotension on gastric intramucosal pH and post-operational gastrointestinal functional under two different anesthesia methods

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of controlled hypotension on gastric intramucosal pH and post-operational gastrointestinal functions using two specific anesthesia methods.MethodsThirty patients(ASA II)scheduled for ectomy of hepatocarcinoma, were randomly assigned to two groups: epidural block combined with intravenous anesthesia group(E group) and inhalation anesthesia group(G group). Gastric PgCO2 and pHi were monitored at different time points, before theintravenous induction of controlled hypotension, after 1 h and 2 h, and 1 h after the termination of controlled hypotension. In the meanwhile, the artery blood gas was analyzed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in blood gas indexes between E group and G group. However, pHi decreased significantly after 1 h and 2 h of controlled hypotension(P < 0.05), and during the same periods PgCO2 increased significantly(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), the time of bowel movement and defecating deferred significantly shorter in G group patients, when compared with E group patients.ConclusionEpidural block in combination with general anesthesia can improve gastrointestinal blood flow during controlled hypotension and facilitates post-operational recovery of gastrointestinal functions.