A Comparative Study of Continuous Epidural Analgesia Versus Patient-Controlled Intravenous Analgesia in Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgeries

Postoperative pain management plays a crucial role in enhancing recovery and reducing complications following abdominal surgeries. Continuous Epidural Analgesia (CEA) and Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia (IV PCA) are commonly used modalities for postoperative pain relief, each with its own advantages and limitations. This prospective randomized comparative study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of continuous epidural analgesia and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries.

All patients will receive standardized general anaesthesia. Postoperatively, one group will receive continuous epidural infusion of local anaesthetic with opioid, while the other group will receive intravenous morphine through a patient-controlled analgesia pump. Postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, quality of recovery, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse effects will be assessed and compared between the two groups.