Background: In patients with prostatic and breast cancer the application of peridural anesthesia (PDA) showed a beneficial effect on prognosis. This was explained by reduced requirements for general anesthetics and perioperative opioids as well as a lower perioperative stress level. The impact of PDA in patients with more aggressive types of cancer has not been completely elucidated. Here, we analyzed the prognostic influence of PDA on overall survival after surgery as primary in patients that underwent radical resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods: Records of 98 consecutive patients were reviewed. In 70 of these cases PDA was applied. Patient characteristics such as demographics, TNM stage, and operative data were retrospectively collected from medical records and analyzed. Survival data were analyzed by Cox’s proportional hazard regression model. Results: Overall, no significant prognostic influence of PDA on recurrence or overall survival (p = 0.762, Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.884, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.398–1.961) was found. However, there was a trend towards a longer overall survival (p = 0.069, HR 0.394, 95% CI 0.144–1.078) associated with PDA in a subgroup of patients with better differentiation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: The observation of longer survival associated with PDA in our subgroup of patients with better-differentiated pancreatic carcinomas is in line with previous reports on various other less aggressive tumor entities. Our results indicate that PDA might improve the oncological outcome of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

• oncological outcome
• pancreatic adenocarcinoma
• recurrence
• staging

• Apoptosis
• Breast Cancer
• Flow Cytometry
• PECS

Effects of perioperative cervical level neuraxial blocks on the dissemination of cancer metastases have become a matter of substantial interest. However, experience with these catheters has been limited and data on feasibility and efficacy is sparse.

Data from 39 patients scheduled to undergo breast cancer surgery while awake with a cervical epidural alone was retrospectively analyzed.

In 26 patients (66,7%, 95% CI 51,7–81,7) the cervical epidural catheter was sufficient for surgery. In one patient (2.6%, 95% CI 0–7.6) identification of the epidural space was not possible. Four patients (10.3%, 95% CI 0,7–19,9) had an insufficient sensory block. Seven patients (17.9%, 95% CI 5,7–30,1) had a partially insufficient sensory block. Rates of failed epidural blocks were not significantly different between different insertion levels. 21 patients (80.8%, 95% CI 65,4–96,1) developed hypotension and required an intravenous vasopressor. One patient developed nausea. In one patient the dura was accidentally punctured. No neurological damage was observed. No other major complications were observed.

Epidural punctures in the cervical region are feasible but do bear potential for major complications. Anesthesiologists should familiarize themselves with high epidural block techniques.

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States. Metastatic disease is a more important cause of cancer-related death relative to primary tumor progression. Surgical excision is the primary treatment for most malignant tumors. However, surgery itself can inhibit important host defenses and promote the development of metastases. An altered balance between the metastatic potential of the tumor and the anti-metastatic host defenses, including cell-mediated immunity and natural killer cell function, is a plausible mechanism of increased cancer metastasis. This article reviews the increasingly recognized concept of anesthetic technique along with perioperative factors and their potential to affect long-term outcome after cancer surgery. The potential effect of intravenous anesthetics, volatile agents, local anesthetic drugs, opiates, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are reviewed along with recent literature and ongoing clinical trials in this area. Regional anesthesia is increasingly emerging as a safer option with less cancer recurrence potential as compared to general anesthesia. Blood transfusion, pain, stress, use of beta-blockers, and hypothermia are other potentially important perioperative factors to consider.

• Cancer
• Recurrence
• Survival
• Anesthesia
• Perioperative
• Factors