Thoracic epidural analgesia augments ileal mucosal capillary perfusion and improves survival in severe acute pancreatitis in rats.

Background: Acute pancreatitis has been linked to intestinal barrier dysfunction and systemic inflammatory response with high mortality. Thoracic epidural analgesia improves intestinal perfusion. The authors hypothesized that thoracic epidural analgesia influences microcirculation injury, inflammatory response, and outcome of acute pancreatitis in rats.