Epidural Block vs. Rectus Sheath Block on Postoperative Pulmonary Function

Pulmonary complications are among the most important postoperative complications after midline incisions, for which different analgesic modalities have been tried. Epidural analgesia is the recommended technique to relieve pain after major abdominal surgery owing to the proved superior analgesia, reduction of opioid related side effects as nausea, vomiting, pruritis and sedation, earlier recovery of bowel function and earlier ability for postoperative mobility However, it is not without complications. Rectus sheath block provides several advantages over epidural anesthesia. It lessens the potential risks associated with neuraxial techniques, so it may represent a novel alternative approach for somatic analgesia after major abdominal surgeries. Although patients with rectus sheath block may experience some visceral pain, it is usually minimal by 24 hours after surgery.