Epidural Versus General Anesthesia for Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

This randomized controlled study will compare epidural anesthesia with general anesthesia in women undergoing elective laparoscopic hysterectomy. A total of 70 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either epidural anesthesia or general anesthesia. The main aim of the study is to determine whether the type of anesthesia affects respiratory function after surgery. Respiratory function will primarily be assessed using peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) before surgery and at 2, 6, and 24 hours after surgery. The study will also compare postoperative pain, opioid consumption, respiratory and hemodynamic parameters, recovery, mobilization, and other perioperative outcomes between the two groups. The researchers aim to determine whether epidural anesthesia may provide an alternative anesthetic approach for selected patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy while maintaining spontaneous breathing.

Inclusion Criteria: * Female patients aged 18-70 years * American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III * Body mass index (BMI) ≤30 kg/m² * Scheduled for elective laparoscopic total hysterectomy * Willing and able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia * Severe cardiopulmonary disease * BMI \>30 kg/m² * Pre-existing neurological disorder * Inability to cooperate with the study procedures * Refusal to participate in the study