Comparison of Regional vs. General Anesthesia and Postoperative Complications in ICU Admissions

Abstract

Background: Anesthesia choice significantly impacts postoperative outcomes, particularly concerning ICU admissions and recovery times. This study compares regional anesthesia (RA) and general anesthesia (GA) regarding their postoperative complications, aiming to evaluate differences in respiratory issues, infection rates, hemodynamic stability, and ICU duration. Objectives: To compare postoperative complications of regional vs. general anesthesia in ICU-admitted patients and evaluate related outcomes. Method and Materials: This comparative, retrospective, cross-sectional study analyzed data from 120 patients admitted to ICUs across private clinics in Sylhet from July 2022 to June 2024. Participants were categorized based on the type of anesthesia received—either regional or general. Data on demographics, anesthesia type, and postoperative complications were collected from medical records. Result: The study included 120 participants, predominantly aged 46-55, with a mean age of 45 years. Among them, 54.2% received regional anesthesia, while 45.8% underwent general anesthesia. Postoperative complications were most commonly respiratory (16.7%), followed by cardiovascular (12.5%). ICU stays varied, with 45.8% of patients staying for 1-2 days. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the choice of anesthesia type significantly impacts postoperative outcomes, ICU stay duration, and complication rates among surgical patients