MASTER trial

Rigg, et al. Lancet 2002; 359:1276-1282

multicentre RCT in Australia 1995-2001

P:high risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, 915 patients

I: intraop epid and post op epid for 72 hr

C:GA

O: mortality at 30 days or major post op morbidity

of all complications: only respi failure less frequent, pain scores over first 3 days were significantly lower.- may be some benefit
low risk of serious adverse reactions

NO SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE OVERALL