The effect of epinephrine or norepinephrine on the duration of spinal anesthesia

Abstract

The effect of vasocostrictors added to local anesthetic on the duration of spinal anesthesia was evaluated in sixty patients who were scheduled for lower extremity operations. They were randomly divided into four groups: Group C; 15 patients received Neopercamine S® (dibucaine 7.2mg, T-caine 3.6mg) 3ml alone. Group E1; 12 patients received Neopercamine S® 3ml added 0.1mg of epinephrine, Group E2; 15 patients received Neopercamine S® 3ml added 0.2mg of epinephrine, and Goup NE; 12 patients received Neopercamine S® 3ml added 0.1mg of norepinephrine. Segmental sensory blockade was assessed by pin prick at every 5min intervals for the first 30min after the intrathecal injection and thereafter at every 20min. Time for regression by two sensory dermatomes were significantly prolonged to 120±32min in the Group E1, 145±60min in the Group E2 and 142±55min in the Group NE, while it remained at 95±47min in the Group C. Time for regression by four sensory dermatomes were also prolonged to 178±35min in the Group E1, 191±68min in the Group E2 and 180±46min in the Group NE, while it remained at 135±52min in the Group C. No significant differences were noted in the analgesic duration between the groups.