The Particulars: Researchers have hypothesized that regional anesthesia may reduce the risk of postoperative mortality among patients undergoing a range of surgical procedures. However, findings of studies on this topic among patients undergoing hip fracture surgery have yielded mixed results.
Data Breakdown: In a study, researchers reviewed more than 73,000 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery from 2007 to 2011 and received general, regional, or combined general and regional anesthesia. The rates of in-hospital mortality were 2.2% for patients who received general anesthesia, 2.1% for those who received regional anesthesia, and 2.4% for those who received combined anesthesia.
Take Home Pearl: In-hospital mortality rates do not appear to differ significantly by anesthesia type among patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.
