Effects of extradural analgesia and vagal blockade on the metabolic and endocrine response to upper abdominal surgery.

The effect of thoracic extradural analgesia and vagal blockade on the metabolic and endocrine responses to cholecystectomy was investigated. In comparison with a control group of patients, extradural analgesia and vagal blockade abolished the glycaemic response but had no effect on the increase in plasma cortisol. Circulating insulin values were significantly decreased in the extradural group of patients, confirming the importance of autonomic innervation in maintaining basal insulin output. there is, at present, no satisfactory local analgesic technique for controlling the endocrine response to upper abdominal surgery.