A Comparative Study of Median and Paramedian Techniques to Identify the Lower Thoracic Epidural Space and Catheter Insertion for Upper Abdominal Surgeries

Epidural is a central neuraxial blockade with various applications. The epidural space was first described by Corning in 1901. And Fidel Pages first used epidural analgesia in humans in 1921. Fidel Pages described the interspinous approach to the epidural space and reported satisfactory anaesthesia for abdominal procedures. Improvements in equipment, drugs and technique have made it a popular and versatile anaesthetic technique, with applications in Surgery, Obstetrics and Pain relief. Both single injection and catheter techniques can be used. Its versatility means it can be used as an anaesthetic, an adjuvant to general anaesthesia and for postoperative analgesia in procedures involving the lower limbs, perineum, pelvis, abdomen and thorax. This study compares the median and paramedian epidural techniques to identify the lower thoracic epidural space and catheter insertion for upper abdominal surgeries.