Table 2 Epidemiological data and indications for surgery

Epidemiological data

 Sex

27 males;11 females

 Mean age

70.2 ± 6.9 years (range 57–82 years)

 Mean duration of operation

10.4 h

 Median perioperative blood loss

400 mL (range 50–4650 mL)

 Mean perioperative fluid loss through surgical drains

430 ± 355 mL

 Mean time from epidural catheterization to withdrawal

6.2 ± 3.2 days (range 2–15)

 Included and preoperative tests taken, but postoperative tests not taken due to transfer to other hospital or researcher being absent.

5 patients

Indication for surgery

Number of patients

 Gastric cancer

17

 Oesophageal cancer

4

 Gastrooesophageal cancer

2

 Gallbladder cancer or cholangiocarcinoma

3

 Pancreatic cancer

9

 Tumour in ampulla of Vater

1

 Cancer simultaneously involving upper gastrointestinal tract and colon

2