Anaesthesiology thesis topics offer MD and DNB postgraduate students a wide spectrum of research opportunities — from airway management and regional anaesthesia to critical care, pain medicine, and patient safety. Anaesthesia is a data-rich specialty where objective measurements like haemodynamic parameters, drug doses, recovery scores, and complication rates make quantitative research straightforward. This guide lists the top 100 anaesthesiology thesis topics for 2026, organised by subspecialty, with guidance on methodology and topic selection.
1Why Anaesthesiology is an Excellent Choice for PG Thesis
Anaesthesia departments handle a high daily volume of surgical cases, giving PG students access to large patient pools for prospective data collection. The specialty naturally lends itself to randomised controlled trials and comparative studies — the gold standard in research design.
Anaesthesiology research also benefits from objective, quantifiable endpoints: heart rate, blood pressure, SpO₂, recovery times, pain scores, drug doses, and complication rates. These measurable outcomes make statistical analysis clean and examiner-friendly.
Anaesthesia PG students have direct access to the operation theatre, making prospective data collection during surgeries straightforward. Most studies can be completed within 12–18 months with proper planning.
2How to Choose the Right Anaesthesiology Thesis Topic
✅ Match Topic to OT Caseload
Choose a topic that matches your department's surgical caseload. If your hospital does mostly orthopaedic cases, a spinal anaesthesia comparison study is far more feasible than a cardiac anaesthesia topic.
✅ Prefer Prospective Comparative Designs
Anaesthesia research is strongest when prospective and comparative — comparing two drug doses, two techniques, or two anaesthesia agents. These designs are well-accepted and straightforward for IEC approval.
✅ Use Validated Scoring Tools
Use validated scales for outcomes — VAS/NRS for pain, Ramsay Sedation Scale, Apgar scores, Aldrete recovery score, and Mallampati classification. These are universally accepted and examiner-proof.
✅ Keep Follow-up Short
Topics with intraoperative or immediate post-operative endpoints (0–24 hours) are most feasible for a 3-year MD programme. Long-term follow-up studies carry the risk of patient attrition and timeline delays.
The most publishable anaesthesia thesis topics are drug comparisons in a specific surgical population — e.g., "Comparison of dexmedetomidine vs fentanyl as adjuvant to spinal bupivacaine in lower limb surgeries." These are easy to design, ethical, and produce clear, examiner-friendly results.
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3Top 100 Anaesthesiology Thesis Topics for 2026
💉 Regional & Spinal Anaesthesia (Topics 1–20)
| # | Thesis Topic | Study Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comparison of dexmedetomidine vs fentanyl as adjuvant to intrathecal bupivacaine in lower limb surgeries | Prospective RCT |
| 2 | Effect of intrathecal magnesium sulphate as adjuvant to bupivacaine on duration of spinal anaesthesia | Prospective RCT |
| 3 | Comparison of hyperbaric vs isobaric bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia in caesarean section | Prospective comparative |
| 4 | Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block vs wound infiltration for post-operative analgesia | Prospective RCT |
| 5 | Comparison of spinal anaesthesia with general anaesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy | Prospective comparative |
| 6 | Effect of low-dose ketamine as adjuvant to spinal bupivacaine on post-operative pain | Prospective RCT |
| 7 | Epidural dexmedetomidine vs clonidine as adjuvant to bupivacaine in labour analgesia | Prospective RCT |
| 8 | Comparison of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve block vs fascia iliaca block for hip fracture analgesia | Prospective comparative |
| 9 | Effect of intrathecal neostigmine as adjuvant to bupivacaine on post-operative analgesia | Prospective RCT |
| 10 | Comparison of single-shot vs continuous epidural analgesia for post-thoracotomy pain | Prospective comparative |
| 11 | Onset and duration of spinal block with different doses of intrathecal ropivacaine vs bupivacaine | Prospective RCT |
| 12 | Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block for post-mastectomy pain — a prospective study | Prospective interventional |
| 13 | Comparison of erector spinae plane block vs thoracic epidural for post-operative analgesia in thoracic surgeries | Prospective RCT |
| 14 | Effect of adding dexamethasone to peripheral nerve blocks on duration of analgesia | Prospective RCT |
| 15 | Comparison of combined spinal-epidural vs conventional epidural for labour analgesia | Prospective comparative |
| 16 | Haemodynamic changes following spinal anaesthesia in elderly patients — a prospective study | Prospective observational |
| 17 | Comparison of interscalene brachial plexus block vs general anaesthesia for shoulder surgeries | Prospective comparative |
| 18 | Intrathecal tramadol vs morphine as adjuvant for post-operative analgesia in abdominal surgeries | Prospective RCT |
| 19 | Spinal anaesthesia failure rate and associated risk factors — a prospective audit | Prospective observational |
| 20 | Comparison of popliteal sciatic nerve block with ankle block for foot surgeries | Prospective comparative |
🫁 Airway Management (Topics 21–35)
| # | Thesis Topic | Study Type |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Comparison of C-MAC video laryngoscope vs Macintosh laryngoscope for tracheal intubation in anticipated difficult airway | Prospective RCT |
| 22 | Mallampati score vs LEMON criteria for prediction of difficult intubation — a prospective study | Diagnostic accuracy |
| 23 | Comparison of i-gel vs ProSeal LMA as supraglottic airway device in laparoscopic surgeries | Prospective comparative |
| 24 | Comparison of dexmedetomidine vs midazolam for awake fibreoptic intubation | Prospective RCT |
| 25 | Effect of pre-oxygenation techniques on apnoea safe time in obese patients | Prospective comparative |
| 26 | Ultrasound assessment of gastric volume for predicting aspiration risk — a pre-operative study | Prospective observational |
| 27 | Comparison of King Vision vs McGrath video laryngoscope for intubation in cervical spine immobilisation | Prospective comparative |
| 28 | Post-extubation laryngospasm — incidence, risk factors, and management in a tertiary care centre | Prospective observational |
| 29 | Comparison of air vs saline for cuff inflation of endotracheal tube on post-operative sore throat | Prospective RCT |
| 30 | Ultrasound-guided confirmation of endotracheal tube placement vs capnography — a comparative study | Prospective comparative |
| 31 | Bougie-assisted vs stylet-assisted intubation in difficult airway scenarios | Prospective comparative |
| 32 | Effect of cricoid pressure on glottic visualisation during laryngoscopy | Prospective RCT |
| 33 | Comparison of different laryngeal mask airway sizes in paediatric patients | Prospective observational |
| 34 | Incidence of difficult intubation in obstetric patients vs non-obstetric patients | Prospective comparative |
| 35 | Tracheal tube cuff pressure monitoring and its correlation with post-operative sore throat | Prospective observational |
😴 Sedation, Analgesia & Pain (Topics 36–55)
| # | Thesis Topic | Study Type |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | Comparison of dexmedetomidine vs propofol sedation in ICU patients on mechanical ventilation | Prospective RCT |
| 37 | Multimodal analgesia vs opioid-only analgesia for post-operative pain after major abdominal surgeries | Prospective RCT |
| 38 | Comparison of intravenous paracetamol vs ketorolac for post-operative pain after laparoscopic surgeries | Prospective RCT |
| 39 | Preemptive analgesia with oral gabapentin vs pregabalin before elective surgeries — effect on post-operative pain | Prospective RCT |
| 40 | Patient-controlled analgesia vs nurse-controlled analgesia for post-operative pain management | Prospective comparative |
| 41 | Effect of intraoperative low-dose ketamine on post-operative opioid consumption | Prospective RCT |
| 42 | Comparison of tramadol vs morphine for patient-controlled intravenous analgesia post-surgery | Prospective RCT |
| 43 | Efficacy of dexamethasone as adjuvant in reducing post-operative nausea, vomiting, and pain | Prospective RCT |
| 44 | Comparison of ondansetron vs dexamethasone for prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) | Prospective RCT |
| 45 | Chronic post-surgical pain — prevalence, risk factors, and quality of life impact | Prospective cohort |
| 46 | Comparison of gabapentin vs pregabalin in management of neuropathic pain | Prospective RCT |
| 47 | Trigger point injection vs dry needling for myofascial pain syndrome | Prospective comparative |
| 48 | Effect of intravenous lignocaine infusion on opioid consumption and recovery after laparoscopic surgeries | Prospective RCT |
| 49 | Pain assessment tools in non-verbal ICU patients — comparison of CPOT vs BPS scales | Prospective observational |
| 50 | Efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency for lumbar facet joint pain — a prospective follow-up study | Prospective interventional |
| 51 | Comparison of intravenous vs oral acetaminophen on post-tonsillectomy pain in children | Prospective RCT |
| 52 | Epidural steroid injection for lumbar radiculopathy — pain outcomes at 1 and 3 months | Prospective observational |
| 53 | Comparison of scalp nerve block vs local infiltration for post-craniotomy pain | Prospective RCT |
| 54 | Effect of music therapy as adjuvant to pharmacological analgesia in post-operative patients | Prospective RCT |
| 55 | Cancer pain management in palliative care — adequacy and patient satisfaction audit | Prospective observational |
🏥 Critical Care & ICU (Topics 56–70)
| # | Thesis Topic | Study Type |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | APACHE II vs SOFA score as predictors of ICU mortality — a prospective comparison | Prospective observational |
| 57 | Comparison of pressure-controlled vs volume-controlled ventilation in ARDS patients | Prospective RCT |
| 58 | Incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia and its risk factors in a medical ICU | Prospective cohort |
| 59 | Weaning from mechanical ventilation — comparison of T-piece trial vs pressure support weaning | Prospective comparative |
| 60 | Ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion vs landmark technique — complication rates | Prospective comparative |
| 61 | Effect of prone positioning on oxygenation in moderate-to-severe ARDS | Prospective interventional |
| 62 | Nutritional assessment and adequacy of enteral feeding in ICU patients on mechanical ventilation | Prospective observational |
| 63 | Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in haemodynamic assessment of critically ill patients | Prospective observational |
| 64 | Early vs late tracheostomy in mechanically ventilated ICU patients — outcomes comparison | Retrospective / prospective |
| 65 | Delirium in ICU — incidence, risk factors, and impact on outcomes using CAM-ICU scale | Prospective observational |
| 66 | Comparison of noradrenaline vs vasopressin for refractory septic shock | Retrospective comparative |
| 67 | Sepsis-3 criteria vs old SIRS criteria in predicting ICU mortality | Prospective observational |
| 68 | Intravenous hydrocortisone in septic shock — haemodynamic and outcome effects | Prospective RCT |
| 69 | Comparison of high-flow nasal oxygen vs non-invasive ventilation in hypoxaemic respiratory failure | Prospective comparative |
| 70 | Glucose control protocols in ICU — tight vs conventional glycaemic control and outcomes | Prospective comparative |
🤰 Obstetric & Paediatric Anaesthesia (Topics 71–85)
| # | Thesis Topic | Study Type |
|---|---|---|
| 71 | Comparison of low-dose vs standard-dose bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia in elective LSCS | Prospective RCT |
| 72 | Effect of colloid vs crystalloid preloading on hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for LSCS | Prospective RCT |
| 73 | Comparison of phenylephrine vs ephedrine for management of spinal-induced hypotension in LSCS | Prospective RCT |
| 74 | Effect of adding intrathecal morphine on post-caesarean analgesia | Prospective RCT |
| 75 | Neonatal outcome comparison — spinal vs general anaesthesia for emergency LSCS | Prospective comparative |
| 76 | Comparison of inhalational vs total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) in paediatric day-care surgeries | Prospective comparative |
| 77 | Pre-operative anxiety in children — comparison of oral midazolam vs dexmedetomidine premedication | Prospective RCT |
| 78 | Caudal epidural block for post-operative analgesia in paediatric infraumbilical surgeries | Prospective observational |
| 79 | Emergence agitation in children after sevoflurane anaesthesia — incidence and risk factors | Prospective observational |
| 80 | Comparison of ketamine vs propofol for procedural sedation in paediatric emergency | Prospective comparative |
| 81 | Labour analgesia — patient satisfaction and neonatal outcomes with epidural vs systemic analgesia | Prospective observational |
| 82 | Venous air embolism during neurosurgery in sitting position — incidence and monitoring | Prospective observational |
| 83 | Comparison of sevoflurane vs desflurane for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in children | Prospective RCT |
| 84 | Anaesthetic management of neonates for emergency surgeries — outcomes and complications | Retrospective descriptive |
| 85 | Post-spinal headache in obstetric patients — incidence, risk factors, and management | Prospective observational |
🔬 General & Patient Safety Topics (Topics 86–100)
| # | Thesis Topic | Study Type |
|---|---|---|
| 86 | Pre-operative anxiety assessment using APAIS scale and its effect on anaesthesia outcomes | Prospective observational |
| 87 | Comparison of propofol vs thiopentone for induction of general anaesthesia — haemodynamic profile | Prospective RCT |
| 88 | Total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) vs volatile anaesthesia — emergence and recovery profile | Prospective comparative |
| 89 | Intraoperative awareness — incidence and risk factors in a tertiary care hospital | Prospective observational |
| 90 | Anaesthesia for day-care surgery — discharge criteria, outcomes, and unplanned admissions | Prospective observational |
| 91 | Comparison of BIS monitoring vs clinical assessment for depth of anaesthesia | Prospective comparative |
| 92 | Haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation — attenuation by dexmedetomidine vs lignocaine | Prospective RCT |
| 93 | Anaesthesia-related adverse events — a prospective safety audit in a tertiary hospital | Prospective audit |
| 94 | WHO surgical safety checklist compliance and its impact on perioperative complications | Prospective observational |
| 95 | Pre-operative fasting duration in elective surgery patients — compliance and patient satisfaction | Prospective audit |
| 96 | Anaesthesia for morbidly obese patients — airway, ventilation challenges, and outcomes | Retrospective / prospective |
| 97 | Effect of intraoperative hypothermia on surgical outcomes — a prospective study | Prospective observational |
| 98 | Comparison of sugammadex vs neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular blockade | Prospective RCT |
| 99 | Blood transfusion practices in the operation theatre — trigger, volume, and outcome | Retrospective audit |
| 100 | Anaesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) — propofol vs thiopentone, seizure duration, and recovery | Prospective comparative |
The best anaesthesia thesis is one where data collection happens intraoperatively — clean, objective, and unlikely to be lost to follow-up. Design your study around the operating table.
4Methodology Tips for Anaesthesiology Thesis Research
📋 Study Design
Prospective randomised controlled trials are the strongest design for anaesthesia research and are entirely feasible within a 3-year MD programme. Randomisation can be done using sealed envelopes or computer-generated numbers. Double-blinding is ideal — blind the patient and the outcome assessor, even if the anaesthesiologist cannot be blinded.
📊 Sample Size
For comparative studies, base your sample size on the primary outcome — e.g., time to first rescue analgesia, haemodynamic parameter, or pain score. Use published mean and standard deviation values from similar studies. A minimum power of 80% and alpha of 0.05 is expected. G*Power or OpenEpi can calculate this in minutes.
🔬 Ethical Considerations
Drug comparison studies require thorough IEC approval. Ensure patient safety by defining stopping criteria — e.g., if SpO₂ drops below 90% or heart rate falls below 50, a rescue protocol must be in place and declared in your protocol.
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5Common Mistakes Anaesthesia PG Students Make
- Not defining a primary outcome: Your study must have one clearly defined primary outcome (e.g., VAS score at 2 hours). Secondary outcomes come after. Examiners will always ask — "what is your primary outcome?"
- Inadequate blinding: If you cannot blind the anaesthesiologist, at minimum blind the patient and outcome assessor. Document your blinding method clearly in the Methods section.
- Not accounting for dropouts in sample size: Always add 10–15% to your calculated sample size to account for protocol violations and dropouts.
- Starting data collection before IEC approval: This is a serious academic offence. No data collected before IEC clearance can be included in your thesis.
- Ignoring haemodynamic rescue protocols: Any study involving drugs must pre-define rescue medication doses and criteria. IEC committees specifically look for this in anaesthesia research proposals.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about anaesthesiology thesis topics
Yes — observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, and prospective cohort studies are all acceptable for MD anaesthesia theses. RCTs are the gold standard but not mandatory. Choose a design that matches your resources, patient load, and timeline. Observational studies on haemodynamic profiles, incidence of complications, or scoring tool validations are fully acceptable.
Most anaesthesia comparative studies require 30–60 patients per group (60–120 total) when the primary outcome is a continuous variable like pain score or haemodynamic parameter. This gives 80% power at 5% alpha with a moderate effect size. Always calculate based on the specific primary outcome using published data from similar studies.
Paired t-test (pre-post haemodynamic comparisons), independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U (between-group comparisons), repeated measures ANOVA (haemodynamics at multiple time points), Chi-square (complication rates, categorical outcomes), and Kaplan-Meier (time to first analgesia). SPSS version 26 or 27 handles all of these.
Yes — drug comparison studies are among the most common and accepted anaesthesia thesis designs, provided both drugs are approved, doses are within safe ranges, rescue protocols are defined, and IEC approval is obtained. The IEC will assess the risk-benefit profile. Studies comparing two standard-of-care drugs in routine surgical patients are generally approved without difficulty.
Most anaesthesia theses with intraoperative endpoints can collect data within 6–12 months in a busy tertiary hospital. Topics with post-operative follow-up of 24–48 hours need 9–15 months. Avoid topics requiring 3+ months follow-up unless you begin data collection in year 1 of your MD programme.
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