Comparison between 0.5% bupivacaine with and without glucose in lumbar epidural block for knee surgery

A double-blind study was performed in 41 patients (ASA I) to compare 0.5% bupivacaine with and without 8% glucose in epidural analgesia. There was no difference in the onset, spread, duration or intensity of the epidural anaesthesias. The absorption of bupivacaine to circulation was similar in both groups. No major complications were noted and the anaesthesias were satisfactory for surgery in all patients.