Comparison of unilateral versus bilateral spinal anaesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacaine with clonidine in unilateral inguinal hernia surgery - A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: Unilateral spinal anaesthesia can be used for inguinal hernia surgery. The advantage is that it provides a stronger block on the side of surgery, accelerated recovery of the nerve block with better maintenance of cardiovascular stability. Hence it can be a valuable technique for high risk patients. Materials and Methods: The study design was randomized controlled trial including 60 patients undergoing elective hernioplasty. Patients were allocated to either group unilateral (U) or group bilateral (B) and received Inj Bupivacaine 0.5% heavy 12.5mg + inj Clonidine 15 microgram in sub-arachnoid block. Patients were kept in lateral position for 10min for group U & made supine immediately on the OT table for group B. Variation in hemodynamic parameters, onset, peak level, duration of sensory and motor block were noted. Results: At 10, 15 and 20 min minutes after giving anaesthesia, the mean heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, mean arterial pressure were significantly higher in patients receiving unilateral anaesthesia. Mean duration of sensory and motor block, total duration of analgesia were significantly more in bilateral anaesthesia. Conclusion: Unilateral spinal anaesthesia achieved stable hemodynamics, adequate duration of block for surgery and rapid recovery. So it can be a valuable technique in high risk patients. Keywords: Spinal anaesthesia, Unilateral spinal anaesthesia.