Combined Spinal-Epidural (CSE) technique plus ketamine in research laparotomies with vertical incision: Case report

The combined spinal-epidural (CSE) technique, a comparatively new anesthetic choice, includes an initial subarachnoid injection followed by epidural catheter placement and subsequent administration of epidural medications. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the CSE technique provides excellent surgical conditions as quickly as with single-shot subarachnoid block conditions that are better than with epidural block alone. A 72-year-old man with pelvic tumor undergoing laparotomy surgery underwent combined regional anesthesia (Th12 - O1) plus small doses of Ketamine via intravenus infusion. The combined spinal-epidural technique along with intravenous Ketamine offers a better analgesic and hemodynamic result.