Incidence of hypotension between Intrathecal Hyperbaric Bupivacaine with and without Fentanyl in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Urological Surgeries

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to assess the efficacy, the incidence of hypotension and adverse consequences of using intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine in comparison to a combination of low dose hyperbaric bupivacaine and fentanyl, in geriatric patients undergoing urological surgeries.Material and Methods: Our study was a prospective, triple-blinded and randomized controlled. One hundred and fortyeight geriatric participants scheduled for urological surgeries were randomly assigned into two groups: Group B (n=74) received intrathecal injection with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 1.5 milliliters (ml) alone (7.5 milligrams; mg), while Group F (n=74) received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 1 ml (5 mg) plus 0.5 ml of fentanyl (25 micrograms; mcg) making up to a total volume of 1.5 ml.Results: One hundred and forty-eight patients were included however, six patients were excluded from statistical analysis, due to an inadequate level of anesthesia; hence, 142 patients were analyzed. The incidence of hypotension in group B was: 9.7%, and in group F the percentage was 12.9%, respectively (p-value=0.74). There was no significant difference in regards to the highest sensory level in both groups. The anesthesia level in group B was Thoracic level 11 (T10-T12), and in group F it was 11 (T10-T12) (p-value=0.68), while the analgesia level in group B was Thoracic level 7 (T6-T8) with group F being a Thoracic level 6 (T6-T8) (p-value=0.16). The occurrence of bradycardia, and respiratory depression did not differ between the 2 groups.Conclusion: Intrathecal administration of 5 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine, plus 25 mcg of fentanyl provided an adequate level of sensory blockade, but did not decrease the frequency of hypotension.