Haemodynamic effects of unilateral spinal anesthesia in high risk patients

Objective: To assess whether a unilateral spinal anaesthesia using 0.5% hyperbaric Bupivacaine will restrict the sympathetic block to avoid the undesired cardio vascular effects. Methodology: In this study 40 ASA III and IV patients aged between 60-90 years undergoing unilateral lower limb surgery were included. All patients received unilateral spinal anaesthesia using hyperbaric 0.5% Bupivacaine (1.1-1.8 mi according to patient's height). Patients were placed in the lateral position with operated side down and kept in this position for 10 minutes. Motor and sensory levels were assessed, and haemodynamic alterations were monitored for 30 minutes after initiation of spinal anaesthesia. Results: Unilateral spinal anaesthesia, is very effective in restricting the sympathetic block as all high risk patients showed minimal haemodynamic changes following the technique. Conclusion: Unilateral spinal anaesthesia is effective in restricting the sympathetic block in high risk patients.