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Therapeutics
Review: epidural or spinal anaesthesia reduces post-operative mortality and morbidity

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.6.4.124

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    (2000) BMJ 321, 1493. Rodgers A, Walker N, Schug S, et al.. Reduction of postoperative mortality and morbidity with epidural or spinal anaesthesia: results from overview of randomised trials.. Dec 16;. :. –7.
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 QUESTION: What is the effect of epidural or spinal anaesthesia on post-operative mortality and morbidity?

    Data sources

    Studies were identified by searching Medline (1966–96), Current Contents (1995–6), EMBASE/Excerpta Medica (1980–96), and the Cochrane Library (1998) with terms that include regional anaesthesia, spinal, and epidural. In addition, conference proceedings were hand searched, bibliographies of relevant papers were scanned, and authors were contacted.

    Study selection

    Studies were selected if they were randomised trials of epidural or spinal anaesthesia compared with general anaesthesia and if data were available before January 1, 1997.

    Data extraction

    Data were extracted on study characteristics, including type of surgery, patient numbers, type of neuraxial blockade used, and outcomes.

    Main results

    158 studies were identified, and 141 studies (9559 patients, 4871 who …

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    Footnotes

    • Sources of funding: Health Research Council of New Zealand and Astra Pain, New Zealand.

    • For correspondence: Dr A Rodgers, Clinical Trials Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. Fax +64 9 373 1710.