The effect of cervical epidural anesthesia on glucose metabolism
Watanabe, S.; Nomiyama, S.; Tanaka, R.
Masui. Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology 29(10): 1020-1026
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4892 PMID: 7005484 Document Number: 161344
Blood concentration of glucose, insulin, catecholamine, human growth hormone and nonesterified fatty acid were measured in 14 females undergoing radical mastectomy under either cervical epidural anesthesia or conventional general anesthesia. Catecholamine and human growth hormone increased more remarkably in the group receiving general anesthesia. Nonesterified fatty acid decreased in both groups. The hyperglycemic response to surgery was partially suppressed during cervical epidural anesthesia. This indicates that cervical epidural anesthesia does not block completely the autonomic nervous pathway to liver, pancreas and adrenals. The increase of blood sugar was more marked during general anesthesia. Insulin increased significantly during general anesthesia. Cervical epidural anesthesia suppresses surgery-induced endocrine response and does not disturb perioperative glucose utilization.