Korean J Anesthesiol.  2013 Mar;64(3):234-239. 10.4097/kjae.2013.64.3.234.

Effect of position changes after spinal anesthesia with low-dose bupivacaine in elderly patients: sensory block characteristics and hemodynamic changes

• Kim HY
• Lee MJ
• Kim MN
• Kim JS
• Lee WS
• Lee KC

• KMID: 1767333
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2013.64.3.234

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study is to compare the anesthetic characteristics in elderly patients who remain in sitting position for 2 min compared with patients that are placed in supine position after induction of spinal anesthesia.
METHODS
Fifty-seven patients scheduled for transurethral surgery were randomized to assume supine position immediately after 6.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine were injected (L group) or to remain in the sitting position for 2 minutes before they also assumed the supine position (S group). Analgesic levels were assessed bilaterally, using pin-prick. Motor block was scored using a 12-point scale. The mean arterial pressure and heart rate were also recorded.
RESULTS
Sensory block levels were significantly lower at all time points for the L group. However, there were no significant differences in the degree of the motor block and hemodynamic changes between the two groups. However, in the L group, ephedrine or atropine were administered to three patients.
CONCLUSIONS
We concluded that performing a spinal anesthesia in sitting position was technically easier and induced less hypotension.

Keyword

Bupivacaine; Geriatric; Sensory block; Spinal

MeSH Terms

Aged
Anesthesia, Spinal
Arterial Pressure
Atropine
Bupivacaine
Ephedrine
Heart Rate
Hemodynamics
Humans
Hypotension
Supine Position
Atropine
Bupivacaine
Ephedrine