Korean J Anesthesiol.  2002 Mar;42(3):331-335. 10.4097/kjae.2002.42.3.331.

Epidural Anesthesia for Lumbar Spine Surgery

• Park EG
• Park KW
• Cho BM

• KMID: 2031948
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2002.42.3.331

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many anesthesiolosists feel that epidural anesthesia is unsuitable for spinal sugery. However, several articles have been published in which epidural anesthesia is viewed as a good alternative to general anesthesia for spine surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectiveness and complications of epidural anesthesia for spine surgery.
METHODS
Eighty-two patients undergoing epidural anesthesia for spine surgery was studied prospectively. Epidural anesthesia was performed using 18-gauge Tuohy needles inserted at the L1-2 interspace. A test dose of lidocaine 3 ml was injected to check for a subarachnoid puncture. After a 2 - 3 minute waiting period, 0.5% bupivacaine 12 ml was slowly injected for 3 minutes. The pain at the operation site and roots, extension of anesthesia, motor blockade and complications were evaluated.
RESULTS
Pain at the operation site was minimal in 83% of the patients; however, 44% of the patients complained of moderate to severe root pain. No patient had a new neurologic deficit as a result of the epidural technique. Perioperative complications were minimal and could be easily treated.
CONCLUSIONS
We concluded that proper administration of epidural anesthesia for spine surgery is a safe and reliable procedure and a good alternative to general anesthesia.

Keyword

Epidural anesthesia; lumbar spine surgery

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia
Anesthesia, Epidural*
Anesthesia, General
Bupivacaine
Humans
Lidocaine
Needles
Neurologic Manifestations
Prospective Studies
Punctures
Spine*
Bupivacaine
Lidocaine