Continuous versus Intermittent Bolus Epidural Anaesthesia in Elderly Surgical Patients

A prospective study of 70 elderly conventionally continuously randomized patients was done to compare the haemodynamic changes produced during continuous infusion versus intermittent bolus epidural anaesthesia. The hemodynamic parameters (Blood pressure, Heart rate) were slightly changed in continuous infusion group but there was no significant difference compared with baseline value (p>0.05). Whereas, In bolus group, the hemodynamic parameters differed significantly compared with baseline values and the patients in group I. So conclusion of better hemodynamic stability in continuous infusion epidural anaesthesia than that in intermittent bolus epidural method in elderly is reached. Key Words : Epidural anaesthesia, haemodynamic, intermittent bolus, continuous infusion.