Effect of Epidural Anesthesia on Pancreatic Perfusion and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Effect of Epidural Anesthesia on Pancreatic Perfusion and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Severe Acute Pancreatitis
The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety, the potential beneficial effect of epidural
 anesthesia on pancreatic perfusion and clinical outcome of patients with severe acute
 pancreatitis.
High mortality in severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is linked to necrosis of the gland. Animal
 studies showed that epidural anesthesia (EA) restores pancreatic microcirculation and
 decreases the severity of AP. The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety of EA, its
 effect on pancreatic perfusion and clinical outcome of patients with AP.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Acute pancreatitis with Ranson Criteria over 2, and/or CRP over 100, and or pancreatic
 necrosis on CT scan

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Coagulation disorders

 -  Skin infection of the vertebral region