Comparison of hemodynamics after combined spinal-epidural anesthesia between decubitus and sitting positions in aged...

To compare the hemodynamics after combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) between decubitus and sitting positions in aged patients undergoing total hip replacement.

A total of 80 aged patients who underwent CSEA for elective total hip replacement were randomly divided into a decubitus position group (group D) and a sitting position group (group S; each group with 40 patients). In group D, 10 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine were given into the subarachnoid space in decubitus position. In group S, 10 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine were given into the subarachnoid space in the sitting position, which was maintained for 1 min, after which the patients were in decubitus position. In both groups, the sensory block levels and changes in hemodynamics were assessed.

The mean arterial blood pressure was significantly higher in group S than in group D at each time point within 30 min after anesthesia. There were no significant differences in heart rate between the two groups at each time point. There was also no significant difference in the level of sensory block between the two groups 20 min after the administration of CSEA.

For aged patients undergoing total hip replacement, CSEA is safer and more effective in the sitting position than in decubitus position.