ABSTRACT: To compare two anaesthetic techniques: cervical epidural anaesthesia vs general anaesthesia in bilateral upper limb surgeries, in terms of intraoperative haemodynamic parameters and postoperative analgesia.

METHODS : In this randomized controlled trial, 50 patients in age range 20-50 yrs, of ASA І-II, and of either sex undergoing bilateral upper limb surgery were allocated equally into two groups: Group A (CEA) and Group B (GA). In both groups, intraoperative haemodynamic parameters (HR and MAP) were recorded at various time points and duration of postoperative analgesia was assessed with first analgesic requirement time.

RESULTS : There was significant (p <0.05) difference between group A and group B in terms of intraoperative haemodynamic parameters and postoperative analgesia. In group A, mean arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly (p <0.05) stable in compare to group B and first analgesic requirement time was significantly (p <0.05) longer than group B.

CONCLUSIONS : We concluded that the sole use of CEA for bilateral upper limb surgery represents an alternative to general anesthesia with additional advantages as stable cardiovascular status and better postoperative analgesia.