Intentional Unilateral Sacral Epidural

Abstract

Background: Unilateral block by lumbar epidural and caudal anesthesia is a rare event, although, from time to time, it becomes essential for aged patients to minimize the drug effect and to have full benefits of epidural anesthesia. Aims: This study is scheduled to get a way to achieve unilateral lower limb block with the help of the sacral epidural anesthesia. Method: 25ml of 0.5% Ropivacaine were injected into sacral epidural space in the lateral position with slight head down tilt. The patient was kept in the same position on the operation table for 15 minutes after completion of sacral epidural anesthesia on the surgical side with the nerve stimulator needle used for detection of the epidural space. Result: All patients expect five developed unilateral lower limb block, placed on the operation table and projected for surgery. Other five patients developed bilateral block. Conclusion: The sacral epidural through its dorsal foramen in lateral position of the patient is highly capable of providing the unilateral block on dependent lower limb for projected surgeries without hemodynamic fluctuation.