[Epidural anesthesia in urology]

Indications for epidural anesthesia have been analyzed on the basis of 1483 cases of its application. They include transvesical adenomectomy, transurethral electroresection of prostatic adenoma, distant renal and ureteral lithotripsy. It is emphasized that epidural anesthesia is an advantage in older and senile individuals with associated respiratory and circulatory diseases. Epidural anesthesia provides some protection against complications like a transurethral resection syndrome and coagulation disorders. The practical use of epidural anesthesia during urologic operations is safe when its level does not extend above the 9-10th dermatome. A range of measures is offered to prevent complications of epidural anesthesia by stabilizing the hemodynamics and improving blood rheology, coagulation, and humoral status.