Comparison of the effect of general anesthesia and combined epidural anesthesia on the anesthetic management of gynecological oncological surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the potential advantages of combined general and epidural anesthesia for major gynecological oncological surgeries.

Materials and methods: The data of 690 gynecological cancer were retrospectively examined, and 223 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group G (123 patients who received general anesthesia only) and Group C (100 patients who received combined epidural and general anesthesia. The perioperative follow-up data were comparatively analyzed.

Results: Operation times in Group G were significantly lower than those in Group C (p=0.018). The blood product replacement rate was higher in Group G (p<0.05). Additionally, intraoperative bleeding rates were lower in Group C (p<0.05). Postoperatively, the analgesic requirement time of Group C was significantly later than that of Group G (p=0.0001). The first mobilization time of Group C was substantially earlier (p=0.0001). Thrombosis and cardiac complications were considerably less frequent in group C, although allergic complications were more common (p<0.05). The length of hospital stay was shorter in Group C (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Combined epidural and general anesthesia in gynecological oncological surgeries may improve postoperative outcomes, including reduced analgesic requirements, earlier patient mobilization, shorter hospitalization, and decreased rates of complications, particularly cardiovascular and thrombotic events.