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Summary Spinal and peridural anesthesia are most useful in lower abdominal operations. For upper laparotomies needing analgesia, good relaxation and quiet ventilation, intercostal block and peridural anesthesia with light general anesthesia are suitable techniques to avoid hypertension and metabolic responses (hyperglycemia, cortisol). During the postoperative period, regional blocks improve lung function and bowel motility, and afford early ambulation.