[Hyperbaric spinal anesthesia with 0.5 percent bupivacaine in traumatological and orthopedic surgery]

Bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia produces operating conditions for over two hours. The onset of sensory block is rapid. Motor blockade is incomplete in 13% at the cases. The quality of anesthesia was judged very satisfactory. Adapting dosage to size (0.1 mg X cm-1) decreases the risk of excessive spread of the block. Simultaneous administration of dihydroergotamine and flunitrazepam enhances cardio-vascular stability and acceptance by patients.