Hyperbaric and Plain Bupivacaine Spinal Anesthesia for Lower Extremity Operation.

Choi,  Ik Hyun

doi:1996.31.3.376

Korean Journal of Anesthesiology 1996;31(3):376-379.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.1996.31.3.376

Ik Hyun Choi

Department of Anesthesia, Armed Forces Capital Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The present study was undertaken to determine the clinical effect of hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine spinal anesthesia compared with the 0.5% plain bupivacaine anesthesia for lower extremity operation.
METHODS
We evaluated the clinical effects in 40 patients having orthopedic surgery of the lower extremities during spinal anesthesia using 15 mg of bupivacaine 0.5% in 8% dextrose (group I) or 15 mg of bupivacaine 0.5% plain (group II). The drugs were administrated in a randomized fashion. We measured the maximal sensory block level according to pinprick test, the time to maximal sensory block, the regression time, the duration of sensory block, the time to complete motor block and the duration of complete motor block.
RESULTS
The mean maximal sensory block level was higher in group II (T6) than in group I (T7). The regression time, the duration of sensory block and the duration of complete motor block was significantly longer in group II than in group I.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, both the hyperbaric and the plain 0.5% bupivacaine spinal anesthesia are equally suitable for lower extremity operation.

Key Words: Anesthetics; local bupivacaine; Anesthetic techniques spinal