ABSTRACT : To evaluate efficacy of thoracic epidural anaesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in terms of 1.Onset and duration of sensory and motor block 2.Hemodynamic stability 3.Perioperative complication 4.Postoperative pain relief

METHODS : Method : In this prospective study we enroll 32 adult consented patients between age group 20 to 55 yrs with ASA grade I and II of either sex scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in government institute. All patientpremedicated with ranitidine 50 mg and ondansetron 4 mg. After administration of test dose of lignocaine with adrenaline, each patient received thoracic epidural anaesthesia with 15 cc of 0.5% bupivacaine and 50 mcg fentanyl through 18 G epidural catheter. Patients observed for onset and duration of sensory and motor block, hemodynamic changes, perioperative complication. Intraoperative complications managed with appropriate drugs. Satisfaction score of patients and surgeons were checked. Postoperative pain management with epidural anaesthesia by 0.125% bupivacaine

RESULTS : Result : Laparoscopic cholecystectomy successfully performed under epidural anaesthesia except for 5 patients who required general anaesthesia for severe referred pain. 9 patients experienced shoulder pain managed with ketamine, 8 patients required vasopressors for hypotention, 1 patient atropine for bradycardia , midazolam for anxiety in 5 patients.

CONCLUSIONS : Conclusion : Thoracic epidural anaesthesia can be used successfully and effectively for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Co-operative patient, lesser surgical manipulation needed for success of technique