Two anesthesia approaches for pancreas surgery: which is safer?

This trial is testing whether adding an epidural catheter (a thin tube placed near the spine to deliver pain medication) to standard anesthesia helps keep patients safer during pancreatoduodenectomy—a major surgery to remove part of the pancreas and small intestine. Researchers want to understand if the epidural approach reduces dangerous blood pressure drops during surgery, or if standard anesthesia alone is better.

Pancreas surgery is very challenging and can cause serious blood pressure problems during the operation. While epidural anesthesia can help with pain control and reduce surgical stress, doctors aren't sure if it actually makes the surgery safer overall, so this trial will provide clear evidence to guide future care.