[Advantages of epidural anesthesia in patients with end-stage chronic renal failure]

The authors analyze the experience gained in anesthesiological management of 667 surgeries in patients with the end-stage chronic renal failure. 206 patients were operated on under epidural anesthesia and 461 under general anesthesia. The technique of anesthesia, preparation of patients, and the management during and after surgery are described. 63 hemodialysis procedures were performed for 4 h before and 154 for 12 h after surgery. The complications occurring during and after anesthesia by both methods are analyzed. Epidural anesthesia was found to be more safe for patients with the end-stage chronic renal failure. General anesthesia more often led to hemodynamic, respiratory, metabolic disorders, and other hemostasis disturbances.