Perioperative Epidural Block and Dexamethasone in Pancreatic Cancer Surgery

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥45 and \<90 years; 2. Clinically diagnosed as resectable or possibly resectable pancreatic cancer and scheduled to undergo radical surgery; 3. Agreed to receive epidural block and postoperative patient-controlled analgesia; 4. Agreed to participate in the study and provided written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Clinical evidence of unresectable pancreatic cancer or plan to undergo biopsy; 2. Previous surgery for pancreatic cancer, scheduled to undergo resurgery for recurrence or metastasis; 3. Complicated with primary malignant tumor in other organ(s), either previously or at present; 4. Complicated with autoimmune diseases, receiving either glucocorticoids or other immunosuppressants before surgery; 5. Unable to complete preoperative evaluation due to severe dementia, language barrier, coma, or end-stage diseases; 6. Severe hepatic dysfunction (Child-Pugh C), severe renal insufficiency (serum creatinine \>442 µmol/L or requirement of renal replacement therapy), or American Society of Anesthesiologists classification ≥V； 7. Contradictions to epidural anesthesia, including spinal malformation, history of spinal surgery, coagulation disorder, suspected infection at the site of puncture, or severe low back pain; 8. Other conditions that are considered unsuitable for study participation; 9. Refused to participate in the study.