235 patients were randomised : TEA in group 1 ( n = 116 ; general anaesthesia + TEA ) comprised continuous administration of 0.25 % bupivacaine , while group 2 ( n = 119 ; general anaesthesia alone ) received intravenous analgesia with fentanyl ( intubation : 2 g/kg ; maintenance : 0.1-0 .3 mg ) .