Abstract:Objective To compare the advantages and disadvantages of the median approach and the paramedian approach for the combined spinal and epidural anesthesia in the hip surgery of elderly patients. Methods Totally 115 elderly patients with hip surgery, over than 75 years, ASA Ⅰ- Ⅲ level, accepting combined spinal and epidural anesthesia (CSEA), according to random number table method, were divided into the median approach group (M group) and the paramedian approach group (P group). The number of repeated punctures, the number of unsuccessful inserting catheter in epidural space, the number of paresthesia caused by epidural catheter, the number of inserting catheter in blood vessels, the number of successful spinal anesthesia and the number of backache at 5 days after puncture were observed. Results Compared the median approach (M group), the rate of successful spinal anesthesia in paramedian approach group (P group) was improved (P < 0.05); and compared with M group, the rate of repeat puncture, the incidence of unsuccessful inserting catheter, the incidence of paresthesia caused by epidural catheter, the incidence of inserting catheter in blood vessels and the incidence of backache in P group were reduced (P < 0.05). Conclusion Paramedian approach is more suitable than median approach for combined spinal and epidural anesthesia in elderly patients, with higher success rate of spinal anesthesia and lower incidence of backache.