The spread and time to two-segment regression of spinal anesthesia with 0.25% hyperbaric bupivacaine

The spread and time to two-segment regression of spinal anesthesia with 0.25% hyperbaric bupivacaine 2.0 ml (5 mg) were studied clinically in 20 patients for elective lower extremity, urological or gynecological surgery. Lumbar puncture was performed at the L 3-4 interspace with the patient in horizontal lateral decubitus positions using a 25-G Quincke needle. After injection of the local anesthetic solution at the rate of 0.2 ml.sec-1, the patient was placed immediately in supine position. Sensory block was assessed by using pinprick and motor block was assessed by using a four-point Bromage scale in every 5 min until 30 min, then every 10 min thereafter until two-segment regression of sensory block had recovered. Results were expressed as mean values +/- SD. Maximum sensory block level was Th 10.6 +/- 2.3, and time to two-segment regression was 51.5 +/- 14.6 min. Complete motor block was observed in three out of twenty patients (15%). These results indicate that spinal anesthesia with 0.25% hyperbaric bupivacaine is useful for a short case, which dose not require motor block or is performed as day-care surgery.