Pethidine as a spinal anaesthetic agent--a comparison with plain bupivacaine in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate

This study compares the anaesthetic effects of intrathecal pethidine or bupivacaine in patients undergoing surgery for transurethral resection of the prostate. Patients were randomly allocated to receive 3.5 ml of 0.5% plain bupivacaine or 1 mg kg-1 of 5% pethidine. The onset, extent and duration of sensory and motor blockade were studied. The cardiovascular and respiratory variables and frequency of side-effects were noted, both in the intra-operative period and the first 24 h of the post-operative period. There were no significant differences in intra-operative conditions or post-operative complications. The duration of block was significantly shorter with pethidine but was not associated with a difference in post-operative pain or analgesic requirements; this may have advantages when early post-operative mobility is indicated. We conclude that spinal pethidine is a satisfactory agent for transurethral resection of the prostate.