Plain or hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Bupivacaine is a commonly used local anesthetic for spinal anesthesia.
• The density of the local anesthetic solution can influence its spread and effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of intrathecal plain and hyperbaric bupivacaine on spinal anesthesia.
• To evaluate the influence of patient posture on the efficacy of bupivacaine spinal anesthesia.

Main Methods:

• Three groups of twenty patients received 3 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine intrathecally.
• Group 1: plain bupivacaine, sitting for 3 min.
• Group 2: bupivacaine in 8% glucose, sitting for 3 min.
• Group 3: bupivacaine in 8% glucose, supine immediately.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in sensory and temperature loss between groups 1 and 2, or groups 2 and 3.
• Motor blockade was more intense in groups 1 and 2 (sitting posture).
• Posture did not influence the cephalad spread of hyperbaric bupivacaine.

Conclusions:

• Both plain and hyperbaric bupivacaine are suitable for spinal anesthesia.
• Plain bupivacaine requires patients to sit for at least 2 minutes for optimal results.
• Patient posture has no impact on the spread of hyperbaric bupivacaine.