Level Of Sensory Block Research Articles

The comparison of levobupivacaine in continuous or single dose spinal anesthesia for transurethral resection of prostate surgery

BackgroundThe aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of levobupivacaine induced continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) versus single dose spinal anesthesia (SDSA) in patients who are planned to undergo transurethral prostate resection. MethodsSixty years or older, ASA I–II or III, 50 patients were included in the study. 12.5mg 0.5% levobupivacaine were administered intrathecally in SDSA group. In CSA group, initially 2mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine were administered through spinal catheter. In order to achieve sensory block level at T10 dermatome, additional 1mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine were administered through the catheter in every 10min. Hemodynamic parameters and block characteristics were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative blood samples of the patients were drawn to determine plasma cortisone and plasma epinephrine levels. ResultsCSA technique provided better hemodynamic stability compared to SDSA technique particularly 90min after intrathecal administration. The rise in sensory block level was rapid and the time to reach surgical anesthesia was shorter in SDSA group. Motor block developed faster in SDSA group. In CSA group, similar anesthesia level was achieved by using lower levobupivacaine dose and which was related to faster recovery. Although, both techniques were effective in preventing surgical stress respond, postoperative cortisone levels were suppressed more in SDSA group. ConclusionCSA technique with 0.25% levobupivacaine can be used as a regional anesthesia method for elderly patients planned to have TUR-P operation.

The Influence of Spinal Flexion in the Lateral Decubitus Position on the Unilaterality of Spinal Anesthesia

For unilateral spinal block, local anesthetics should affect the spinal nerves of 1 side. With full flexion of the spine, the sunken cauda equina becomes tightened and is suspended in the middle of the subarachnoid space. We performed this study to assess whether spinal flexion facilitates unilateral spinal anesthesia. Hyperbaric bupivacaine (8 mg) was administered at the L3-4 interspace through a 25-gauge Quincke needle at a rate of 0.02 mL/s. Patients were randomly allocated to group F (with full spinal flexion) or group N (the hips and back straightened). After maintaining the lateral position for 15 minutes with or without spinal flexion, patients were gently returned to the supine position. Spinal blockade was assessed by loss of pinprick sensation and the modified Bromage motor scale. While the lateral position was maintained, sensory block was noted on the nondependent side in 14 of 16 patients in group N (87.5%) but only in 1 of 16 patients in group F (6.3%) (P < 0.001). The median level of sensory block in group N was L5 on the nondependent side just before turning to the supine position. When patients were returned to the supine position, sensory blockade on the nondependent side was noted in all group N patients (100%) and 15 group F patients (93.7%). The sensory level on the nondependent side between group N and group F were similar after turning supine. Strict unilateral sensory block was not achieved even after lateral decubitus positioning with spinal flexion, when 8 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine was administered manually at a conventionally slow rate through a beveled spinal needle. However, maintaining flexion of the spinal column during lateral decubitus positioning altered the initial onset of sensory block with respect to laterality.

Comparison of Maternal and Neonatal Effects of Combined Spinal Epidural Anaesthesia in Either the Sitting or Lateral Position During Elective Cesarean Section.

Our goal was to demonstrate which position would be hemodynamically and technically better by comparing the effects of combined spinal epidural (CSE) in the sitting or lateral decubitus position for elective cesarean deliveries on maternal and neonatal parameters and ephedrine requirement. Sixty parturients were randomly assigned into two groups to perform CSE in the sitting (Group I, n=30) or right lateral decubitus position (Group II, n=30) using hyperbaric 10 mg bupivacaine and 20 μg fentanyl. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and characteristics of sensory and motor block were recorded from intrathecal drug administration until the end of surgery. Ephedrine and 1(st) analgesic requirement, number of attempts to perform CSE, incidence of paresthesia during spinal needle insertion, and Apgar scores were recorded. Ephedrine requirements and HR changes were similar in both groups. However, MAP values at 45 min in Group II were significantly less than in Group I. Maximum sensory block levels in Group II were significantly higher than in Group I. Despite similar motor block recovery times in both groups, regression times of sensory block and 1st analgesic requirement in Group II were significantly longer than in Group I. Incidence of paresthesia due to spinal needle (3.3% versus 20% in Groups I and II, respectively) and number of attempts to perform CSE (26.7% versus 60% in Groups I and II, respectively) were significantly higher in Group II. Apgar scores were similar in both groups. Performing CSE in the sitting position would be safer and easier because higher and earlier onset of sensory block, and a greater number attempts at epidural insertion and paresthesia develop to spinal needle insertion in the right lateral position.

Hypobaric Spinal Anesthesia with Ropivacaine Plus Sufentanil for Traumatic Femoral Neck Surgery in the Elderly

In this randomized, prospective trial, we sought to determine the effective dose of hypobaric ropivacaine with sufentanil providing 95% success (ED95) in spinal anesthesia for traumatic femoral neck surgery in the elderly. Sixty-eight elderly patients with unilateral hip fracture randomly received 6, 8, 10, or 12 mg spinal hypobaric ropivacaine combined with 5 µg sufentanil. Patients remained in a lateral position for 15 minutes after spinal injection. The dose was considered successful if a unilateral sensory block >T12 was achieved, and there was no need for additional analgesia or conversion to general anesthesia. The ED95 was determined using logit analysis. The incidence of severe and very severe hypotension (systolic blood pressure decrease by >30% and >40% baseline, respectively) and the use of remifentanil were compared among groups using χ(2) test for trend. Three patients were excluded because of failure to reach the subarachnoid space. No differences in baseline demographic data were observed among groups. The ED95 for hypobaric ropivacaine was determined to be 9 mg (95% confidence interval, 8-14). Increasing doses of ropivacaine (6, 8, 10, and 12 mg) demonstrated a positive trend with respect to incidence of hypotension (53%, 47%, 87%, and 81%, P = 0.0004) and a negative trend with respect to the use of remifentanil (41%, 12%, 0%, and 0%, P = 0.0004). A significant difference in the level of sensory block (P < 0.0001) was observed among operative and nonoperative sides but not among ropivacaine dosing groups (P = 0.16). No difference in motor blockade, incidence of very severe hypotension, total dose of ephedrine, duration of surgery, patient satisfaction, operating conditions, or surgeon satisfaction scores was observed among groups. No cases of bradycardia were observed. No patient had a preoperative sensory level <T12 after 15 minutes in the lateral decubitus position, and no cases were converted to general anesthesia. There was no difference in undesirable outcomes or postoperative troponin values among groups. The effective dose of hypobaric ropivacaine combined with sufentanil 5 µg providing 95% success in spinal anesthesia for traumatic femoral neck surgery in the elderly is ED95 = 9 mg (95% confidence interval, 8-14). Using doses exceeding the ED95 may increase the incidence of hypotension. If doses less than the ED95 are chosen, the use of additional analgesia may be necessary.

The Effect of Levobupivacaine and Bupivacaine on QT, Corrected QT (Qtc), and P Wave Dispersions in Cesarean Section

Background and ObjectivesIn our study we aimed to investigate the effect of bupivacaine and levobupivacaine on QT, corrected QT (QTc), and P wave dispersion durations during spinal anesthesia in cesarean section. MethodsSixty parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section in ASA I-II risk groups were included in the study. Baseline electrocardiographic (ECG) records of the patients were obtained in the operation room. Heart rate (HR), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and respiration rates (RR) were recorded. Venous cannulation was performed with 18G cannula and fl uid preload made with 10mL.kg-1. Lactated Ringer solution. After fl uid preload, second ECG recordings were taken and the patients were randomly separated into two groups. Group B (n=30) received 10mg of bupivacaine and Group L (n=30) received 10mg of levobupivacaine for spinal anesthesia. ECG recordings were repeated at 1, 5 and 10minutes after spinal block. HR, NIBP, SpO2 , RR and sensory block levels were also recorded at the same time intervals. At predetermined time intervals of spinal anesthesia, P wave dispersion (Pwd), QT dispersion (QTd), and QTc dispersion (QTcd) durations were measured from ECG records. QT and QTc durations are calculated with Bazzett formula

The Effect of Levobupivacaine and Bupivacaine on QT, Corrected QT (Qtc), and P Wave Dispersions in Cesarean Section

Background and ObjectivesIn our study we aimed to investigate the effect of bupivacaine and levobupivacaine on QT, corrected QT (QTc), and P wave dispersion durations during spinal anesthesia in cesarean section. MethodsSixty parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section in ASA I-II risk groups were included in the study. Baseline electrocardiographic (ECG) records of the patients were obtained in the operation room. Heart rate (HR), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and respiration rates (RR) were recorded. Venous cannulation was performed with 18G cannula and fluid preload made with 10mL.kg-1. Lactated Ringer solution. After fluid preload, second ECG recordings were taken and the patients were randomly separated into two groups. Group B (n = 30) received 10mg of bupivacaine and Group L (n = 30) received 10mg of levobupivacaine for spinal anesthesia. ECG recordings were repeated at 1, 5 and 10minutes after spinal block. HR, NIBP, SpO2, RR and sensory block levels were also recorded at the same time intervals. At predetermined time intervals of spinal anesthesia, P wave dispersion (Pwd), QT dispersion (QTd), and QTc dispersion (QTcd) durations were measured from ECG records. QT and QTc durations are calculated with Bazzett formula. ResultsThere was no difference between two groups according to block levels, hemodynamic parameters, Pwd, QTd, QTc and QTcd durations. ConclusionBupivacaine and levobupivacaine may be preferred in spinal anesthesia in pregnant patients who have extended Pwd and QTcd preoperatively.

Effect of fentanyl on efficacy of low-dose ropivacaine for spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing anorectal surgery

Objective To evaluate the effect of fentanyl on the efficacy of low-dose ropivacaine for spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing anorectal surgery.Methods Forty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients,aged 20-55 yr,with body mass index 18-28 kg/m2,scheduled for anorectal surgery,were randomly divided into 2 groups (n =20 each):0.5％ ropivacaine 7.5 mg group (group R) and 0.3％ ropivacaine 6.0 mg+ fentanyl 10 μg group (group RF).A catheter was implanted into the subarachnoid space (L3.4 interspace) and advanced caudally until lumbar region.Group R received hyperbaric 0.5％ ropivacaine 1.5 ml.Group RF received 2.0 ml mixture of hyperbaric 0.3％ ropivacaine 6.0 mg and fentanyl 10μg.The onset time of sensory and motor block,upper level of sensory block,and duration of sensory and motor block were recorded.Motor block was assessed by modified Bromage scale.Results Compared with group R,the duration of sensory and motor block was significantly shortened,and modified Bromage scores were significantly decreased in group RF (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01),and no significant change was found in the onset time of sensory and motor block and upper level of sensory block between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion 0.3 ％ ropivacaine 6.0 mg combined with fentanyl 10 μg provides satisfactory spinal anesthesia for anorectal surgery,with lower degree and faster recovery of motor block. Key words: Fentanyl; Amides; Anesthesia, spinal; Anorectal surgery

Labor analgesia and anesthetic management during emergency cesarean section of parturient with spinal cord injury (SCI)

Labor analgesia and anesthetic management during emergency cesarean section of parturient with spinal cord injury (SCI)

Fentanyl, Sufentanil and Neostigmine's effects on charecteristics of the spinal anesthesia

Purpose: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the specific side-effects and effects of adjuvant agents used intrathecally on the properties of spinal anesthesia. Materials and methods: 100 cases were randomly divided into 5 groups of 20 cases. Saline group: 15 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 0.5 mL saline, Bupivacaine Group: 17.5 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine, Fentanyl Group: 15 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 25 µg fentanyl, Sufentanyl Group: 15mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 2,5 µg sufentanyl, Neostigmine Group: 15 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 250 µg neostigmine, The volume of the intrathecally administered drug was 3.5 mL in all groups. After spinal anesthesia, sensory block level was measured by pin-prick test every 5 minutes and motor block level was measured by Bromage scoring. Sensory and motor block durations of the groups were recorded. The side effects that occurred were recorded. Results: Effects of different adjuvant agents on the properties of spinal anesthesia differed. Fentanyl statistically significantly prolonged sensory block durations compared with other groups. Fentanyl and sufentanyl statistically significantly raised the 20th-minute sensory block level compared with other groups. In the bupivacaine group, the 5th-minute motor block level was detected to be statistically significantly higher than other groups. Specific side-effects occurred for each adjuvant agent. Occurrence of hypotension in the saline group was statistically significantly higher compared with other groups. Conclusion: Effects of different adjuvant agents on the properties of spinal anesthesia are different and they cause specific side-effects. Fentanyl prolongs sensory block level and duration. As the local anesthetic dose increases, the increase in the motor block level accelerates and as the quality of anesthesia decreases, occurrence of hypotension increases. Pam Med J 2013;6(2):44-51

Spinal subarachnoid hematoma after spinal anesthesia

Spinal subarachnoid hematoma after spinal anesthesia

Sudden syncopal attack after postobstructed diuresis under combined spinal epidural anesthesia

Micturition is clinically well-known as a factor that may cause hypotension, bradycardia, and if severe, syncope. However, the mechanism of syncope during micturition is not completely understood. Vasodilatation, bradycardia, and reflex car diovascular depression are all called by various terms including vasovagal syncope, Bazold-Jarisch reflex, and neurocardiogenic syncope [1]. The neurally-mediated syncope includes true and situational syncope that can take place in various situations such as blood loss, cough, sneeze, micturition and lifting up a heavy load. A case of a 71 year-old man under combined spinal epidural anesthesia for total knee replacement, in which the operation were performed without knowing that a Foley catheter installed had been obstructed, and severe bradycardia, hypotension, and loss of consciousness occurred immediately after moving the pa tient to the recovery room following micturition were described. The patient had a history of syncope. Preoperative cardiac test was normal. At the operation room, heart rate and blood pressure were 70 /min and 170/90 mmHg. Beginning with the sufficient administration of fluid, the regional anesthesia was performed and the sensory block was verified up to the T4 der matome. A forced air warmer was used to maintain the body temperature. At the end of operation, 8 ml of 0.15% levobupivacaine was injected through the epidural catheter, and then a mixture of anesthetics was continuously injected. Intraoperative systolic blood pressure were ranged from 110 to 190 mmHg, diastolic pressure 65 to 105 mmHg, heart rate 52 to 70 /min, and estimated blood loss was approximately 500 ml. Although the total amount of fluid was approximately 1,000 ml, no urine out put was observed. Just before leaving the operation room, it was found that the tip of the Foley catheter was obstructed. When the catheter was opened, about 700 ml of urine was discharged. At that time, the vital signs were normal and consciousness clear. Finding that the sensory block level had come down to the T12 dermatome, the patient was moved to the recovery room. Immediately after arriving at the recovery room, the heart rate was drastically reduced from 70 /min to 30 /min or below, the blood pressure was 50/30 mmHg, and consciousness was lost. Promptly, 0.5 mg of atropine sulfate and 10 mg of ephedrine were administered, and the patient-controlled epidural anal gesia (PCEA) was stopped. Following the treatment, the heart rate recovered to 60 /min and the blood pressure to 110/80 mmHg, and subsequently, the consciousness of the patient was recovered. While the patient remained in the recovery room, no abnormal findings were observed. Micturition syncope was con firmed that head-tilt test done after the operation was positive. The main causes of consciousness loss when awakening from anesthesia include metabolic anomalies such as hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hypoxia and severe cardiovascular collapse. However, based on the fact that the patient had no findings of cardiac abnormalities, the patient in this case might have experienced reflex micturition syncope. Micturition syncope is one type of situational syncope that occurs due to neural mediation, and usually occurs in healthy men after alcohol hyperingestion [2]. Sumiyoshi et al. [2] mentioned sleeping under warm blankets and administration of a vasodilator can be factors that cause a reduction in the peripheral arterial blood resistance in the lower extremities and reported that the Valsalva maneuver is a factor

A new modality for improving the efficacy of intrathecal injection for cesarean section

BackgroundIntrauterine resuscitation (IUR) is to improve O2 delivery to the placenta and umbilical blood flow, for reversal of foetal hypoxia and acidosis. We evaluated whether maintaining a lateral position after an intrathecal injection of a relatively low dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine and high dose of fentanyl improving the efficacy of spinal anaesthesia, IUR and preventing hypotension during cesarean delivery.MethodsOne hundred and seventy two healthy women undergoing elective cesarean delivery were enrolled in a double blind prospective randomized study. Spinal anesthesia was conducted in the right lateral position which maintained for 6 min for all the patients participated in the study, and then the subjects were turned supine. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: low-dose spinal bupivacaine (LD) group (n = 86) patients received 6 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% and 15 μg of fentanyl, high-dose spinal bupivacaine (HD) group (n = 86) patients received 10 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine and 15 μg of fentanyl. The incidence of hypotension and nausea, ephedrine requirement, maximal block height, and Apgar score at 1 and 5 min.ResultsThe authors found significant decrease in MAP in the group that was given the high dose of bupivacaine the incidence of hypotension was 80% but the LD spinal bupivacaine group was hemodynamically stable. The lowest blood pressure, boluses of inj. ephedrine used, or nausea were more significant in the HD group than in LD group. Onset of hypotension was more rapid (8 ± 3 vs. 16 ± 6 min, P < 0.001), and the sensory block level was more cephalad in HD group than in LD group (T2 [C8–T5] vs. T4 [T1–T6], P = 0.001). Apgar scores did not differ between the groups.ConclusionMaintaining the lateral position for 6 min after an intrathecal injection of a relatively low dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine and high dose of fentanyl resulted in improving the efficacy of spinal anaesthesia, IUR by more gradual and higher cephalad sensory block, without an increase in the incidence of maternal hypotension.

Spinal anesthesia for emergency cesarean section in a preeclampsia patient diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis

Spinal anesthesia for emergency cesarean section in a preeclampsia patient diagnosed with type 1 neurofibromatosis

Intravenous dexmedetomidine versus clonidine for prolongation of bupivacaine spinal anesthesia and analgesia: A randomized double-blind study.

Background:Alpha2-adrenergic agonists have synergistic action with local anesthetics and may prolong the duration of sensory, motor blockade and postoperative analgesia obtained with spinal anesthesia.Aim:The objectives of this study are to compare and evaluate the efficacy of intravenous dexmedetomidine premedication with clonidine and placebo on spinal blockade duration, postoperative analgesia and sedation in patients undergoing surgery under bupivacaine intrathecal block.Materials and Methods:In this prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study, 75 patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists status I or II, scheduled for orthopedic lower limb surgery under spinal anesthesia, were randomly allocated into three groups of 25 each. Group DE received dexmedetomidine 0.5 μgkg−1, group CL received clonidine 1.0 μgkg−1 and placebo group PL received 10 ml of normal saline intravenously before subarachnoid anesthesia with 15 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Onset time and regression times of sensory and motor blockade, the maximum upper level of sensory blockade were recorded. Duration of postoperative analgesia and sedation scores along with side effects were also recorded. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance or Chi-square test, and the value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The sensory block level was higher with dexmedetomidine (T4 ± 1) than clonidine (T6 ± 1) or placebo (T6 ± 2). Dexmedetomidine also increased the time (243.35 ± 56.82 min) to first postoperative analgesic request compared with clonidine (190.93 ± 42.38 min, P < 0.0001) and placebo (140.75 ± 28.52 min, P < 0.0001). The maximum Ramsay sedation score was greater in the dexmedetomidine group than other two groups (P < 0.0001).Conclusion:Premedication with intravenous dexmedetomidine is better than intravenous clonidine to provide intraoperative sedation and postoperative analgesia during bupivacaine spinal anesthesia.

Intraoperative conditions and quality of postoperative analgesia after adding dexmedetomidine to epidural bupivacaine and fentanyl in elective cesarean section using combined spinal-epidural anesthesia.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to regular mixture of epidural drugs for pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section with special emphasis on their sedative properties, ability to improve quality of intraoperative, postoperative analgesia, and neonatal outcome.Materials and Methods:Fifty women of ASA physical status I or II at term pregnancy were enrolled randomly to receive plain bupivacaine plus fentanyl (BF Group) or plain bupivacaine plus mixture of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine (DBF Group). Incidence of hypotension, bradycardia, Apgar scores, intraoperative pain assessment, onset of postoperative pain, sedation scores, and side effects were recorded.Results:No difference in the times taken for block to reach T4 sensory level, to reach the highest level of sensory block, and interval between first neuraxial injection and onset of surgery between the groups was noted. Onset of postoperative pain was significantly delayed in the DBF group (P = 0.001), the need for supplementary fentanyl was significantly less in DBF group (P = 0.03), no significant difference was noted between both groups regarding neonatal Apgar scores as well as the incidence of hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, and duration of motor blockade. DBF group had significantly less incidence of shivering (P = 0.03).Conclusion:Adding dexmedetomidine to regular mixture of epidural anesthetics in women undergoing elective cesarean section improved intraoperative conditions and quality of postoperative analgesia without maternal or neonatal significant side effects.

Assessment of block level with cold or pin-pirick stimulation during bupivacaine induced spinal anesthesia

Uzm. Dr. Abdulkadir Yektas, Basak Mh. Misstanbul Evleri Sit. 5. etap 1. ada A-1 Blok No: 27 Basaksehir, Istanbul Turkiye, Tel. 0 505 388 18 84 Email. akyektas722000@yahoo.co.uk Gelis Tarihi: 06.05.2013 • Kabul Tarihi: 15.10.2013 ABSTRACT AIM: Pinprick stimulus is often used to determine the dermatomal level of sensory block during spinal anesthesia. However, it is an invasive and painful technique. In this study, in order to determine the dermatomal level of sensory block during spinal anesthesia we aimed to compare the cold sense loss and invasive pinprick tests.

Intrathecal sufentanil or fentanyl as adjuvants to low dose bupivacaine in endoscopic urological procedures

Context:Opioids are being increasingly used these days as adjuvants to local anesthetics in spinal anesthesia.Aim:The aim of this study is to compare the effects of adding sufentanil or fentanyl to low dose bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia for endoscopic urological procedures.Settings and Design:Prospective, randomized, double-blind study.Materials and Methods:A total of 90 elective endoscopic urological surgery patients, 40-80 years old, received spinal anesthesia with 7.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (Group A) or by adding sufentanil 10 g (Group B) or fentanyl 25 g (Group C) to 5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%. These groups were compared in terms of the quality of spinal anesthesia as well as analgesia.Results:The onset of sensory and motor blockade was significantly rapid in Group A as compared with Groups B and C. The maximum upper level of sensory block was higher in Group A patients than Groups B and C patients. Quality of analgesia was significantly better and prolonged in sufentanil group as compared with other two groups. Motor block was more intense and prolonged in Group A as compared with Groups B and C patients. Request for post-operative analgesic was significantly delayed in Group B patients.Conclusions:Spinal anesthesia for endoscopic urological procedures in elderly patients using low dose bupivacaine (5 mg) combined with 10 μg sufentanil is associated with a lower incidence of hemodynamic instability, better quality and prolonged duration as compared to that by adding 25 μg fentanyl.

Efficacy and safety of intrathecal pentazocine as a sole anesthetic agent for lower limb surgeries.

Context:The administration of opioids intrathecally as a sole anesthetic has proven to be effective in providing adequate surgical anesthesia without much hemodynamic instability.Aim:This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of intrathecal pentazocine as a sole anesthetic drug in patients undergoing lower limb surgeries.Settings and Design:It was a randomized single blinded study conducted in 60 patients undergoing lower limb surgeries.Subjects and Methods:The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 30 patients in each group. Group A received 2 ml (60 mg) intrathecal pentazocine and Group B received 2 ml intrathecal 0.5% bupivacaine heavy before surgery. Duration of surgery, onset of sensory, and motor blockade and their duration, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and time for first rescue analgesia were statistically analyzed.Results:Group B showed a statistically significant earlier onset of sensory (2.54 ± 0.87 vs. 3.66 ± 1.10 min) and motor blocks (2.22 ± 0.77 vs. 3.29 ± 1.06 min). The majority of patients in the group A (30%) attained the highest level of sensory block of T11, whereas the majority in group B (33.3%) attained the highest level of sensory block of T8. Majority in the Group A (60%) showed a motor block of Bromage scale Grade III at the beginning of surgery, whereas the majority in Group B (80%) showed a motor block of Bromage scale Grade IV. Duration of sensory block was significantly prolonged in group B (124.33 ± 14.84 vs. 115.60 ± 18.39 min). However, duration of motor blockade was similar in both groups. Group B patients required first analgesia earlier than Group A (5.24 ± 1.98 h vs. 2.48 ± 0.51 h) which was significant. There was no difference between groups with regard to HR intra-operatively. On comparison of the pre-induction MAP between 2 groups, there was no difference. But later on at 1, 3, 5 min intervals, the MAP was less in group B. But at 10 and 15 min there was no significant difference between groups. The significantly reduced MAP in group B was evident again at 30, 45, and 60 min. There was no difference between groups at 90 and 120 min. Group B required first analgesia earlier than group A which was statistically significant.Conclusions:Because of adequate surgical anesthesia, intraoperative hemodynamic stability and prolonged post-operative analgesia, we recommend the use of intrathecal pentazocine as a sole anesthetic agent for lower limb surgeries.

Intrathecal clonidine as an adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine in patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy: A randomized double-blinded study.

Background:Clonidine is added to intrathecal local anesthetics to improve intraoperative analgesia and to increase the duration of sensory and motor block. Aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of addition of two different doses of clonidine (15 and 30 mcg) to 11 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine in patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy surgery under spinal anesthesia.Materials and Methods:Seventy-five patients enrolled in the study were randomly divided into three groups of 25 each. Group I patients received 11 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine, whereas groups II and III received 15 mcg and 30 mcg clonidine, respectively, as an adjuvant to 11 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine. The volume of solution was kept constant to 2.4 ml by adding saline wherever needed.Results:Highest level of sensory block, time to achieve this level, and highest Bromage scale recorded were comparable among the groups. The mean time to two-segment regression, regression of sensory block to L3 dermatome, and mean duration of motor block were the greatest in group III followed by group II and group I. There was significant fall in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in groups II and III as compared to group I (P = 0.04). Episodes of hypotension were more in group III than in group II.Conclusion:30 mcg clonidine was associated with more incidence and duration of hypotension than 15 μg of clonidine. 15 mcg clonidine added to 11 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine provides better sensory and motor blockade for inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Epidural Tramadol with low dose local anaesthetics for anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia in NYHA class III orthopaedic patients – A prospective randomized controlled study

Aims & Objectives: 1.To assess the effect of epidural Tramadol with low dose local anaesthetics on quality of anaesthesia, postoperative analgesia, haemodynamic stability, and outcome in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgeries on lower limb. Patients & Method: One hundred & seventy NYHA class III patients (age >60 yr) posted for major orthopaedic surgery on lower limbs during 1 st July 2007 to 31 st July 2010 were selected for the study. They were randomized into control (group A) & study group (group B). Group A received sixteen ml of an equal mixture of 1% Xylocaine and 0.25% Bupivacaine while Group B received Tramadol 50 mg in addition to the mixture of LAs epidurally. Inadequate level of sensory block necessitated further supplementation with 5 ml of 0.25% Bupivalocaine. For postoperative analgesia, group A received 5cc 0.125% (10 mg) Bupivacaine while group B received 5cc (50 mg) Tramadol.Anaesthetic, haemodynamic effects, pain scores, blood pressure, respiratory rate, side effects, complications and level of satisfaction were monitored for 72 hours. Adequacy of postoperative pain relief was judged by VAS. Statistical analyses were done by mean ± standard deviation. Correlation was examined with Pearson correlation coefficients (significance assumed with p < 0.05). Results: Pain scores were significantly decreased in group B. Reduction in mean arterial pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate were found in both the groups but were not significantly different between the two groups. The incidence of postoperative complications was more in group A. Level of sedation and satisfaction was better in group B. Conclusion: Use of low dose local anaesthetics with Tramadol was safe, reliable & effective in producing adequate sensory & motor blockade. The technique provided better haemodynamic stability & pain relief with lesser postoperative complications in HRCP (High risk cardiac patients).