Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Comparison between intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacainefentanyl and intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine-saline in patients undergoing appendicectomy: A clinical study

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1Dr. Prashant Prakash Mannur, 2Dr. Valli SS, 3Dr. Shivshankar M, 4Dr. Surendra Chinnappa

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: To compare the effects of intrathecal Bupivacaine-Fentanyl (25 µg) combination with that of intrathecal Bupivacaine-Saline combination in patients undergoing Appendicectomy under spinal anaesthesia with regard to, Characteristics of sensory block, Duration of motor block, Quality of surgical anaesthesia, Haemodynamic and respiratory changes, Adverse Effects, if any. Methods: A total of 60 patients aged between 20 to 40 years of either sex belonging to ASA Grade I & II posted for elective Appendicectomy under Spinal Anaesthesia were selected randomly for the study during the period starting from December 2021 to November 2022, at Department of Anesthesia & Critical Care, Dr B.R Ambedkar Medical College, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The Study was approved by the Hospital Ethical Committee. Results: The incidence of intraoperative complications was compared in both the groups. The addition of Fentanyl to intrathecal Bupivacaine did not produce any significant cardiovascular changes (Bradycardia, Hypotension). Respiratory depression was not observed in either of the groups. Nausea & vomiting was seen in 16.6% of the patients in group BS as compared to 3.5% in Group BF. The incidence of pruritus was higher in Group BF but none of the patients required any medication. Postoperative analgesia was assessed by the VNRS score. A significantly lower VNRS score (superior pain relief) was observed in Group BF with average duration of analgesia being 5 hours. The patients were followed up for 24 hours and showed no neurological sequelae. Conclusion: We conclude that the addition of 25mg of preservative free Fentanyl to hyperbaric Bupivacaine administered intrathecally to a patient undergoing Appendicectomy provides improved quality of surgical anaesthesia, haemodynamic stability and significant post- operative analgesia with minimal side effects. However, the study needs to be conducted on a larger population for further evaluation.

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