The Study was Conducted Using Isobaric 0.75% Ropivacaine 3.5ml (26.25mg) Intrathecally for Lower Limb Surgeries to Evaluate Onset and Duration of Sensory Block & Onset and Duration of Motor Block

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted at Civil Hospital, BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad, after approval from the ethical committee. Fifty patients admitted in our hospital undergoing lower extremity surgeries under spinal anaesthesia were included in the study. Subjects and Methods: Patients in the age group 18-60 years were selected including 45 males and 5 females. 39 patients had a ASA grade I and 11 patients had ASA grade II. Various lower limb and orthopaedic surgeries like arthroscopic ligaments repair, tibial and flap surgeries were included. Result: The duration of surgeries ranged from 45 to 270 minutes. 2% (1 patient) attained a maximum level of T4, 22% (11 patients) had a maximum level of T6 , 26% (13 patients) had a maximum level of T8. Maximum number of patients, 44% (20 patients) had a level of T10. 6% (3 patients) had attained a maximum level of T12. Three patients did not achieve complete motor level.By the end of 15 minutes, 86% (43) patients had achieved a complete motor block.By the end of 20 minutes 94% (47) patients had attained a complete motor block. The mean time for complete motor block was 10.59 minutes (S.D.±4.7).Conclusion: A study was conducted in 50 patients belonging to ASA grade I and II posted for lower limb surgeries. They received 3.5ml of 0.75% isobaric Ropivacaine in L2-3 interspace. All patients were preloaded with 1000 ml of ringer lactate. Following institution of subarachoid block sensory characteristics such as onset of sensory block, maximum level achieved, duration of sensory block and request for first dose of rescue analgesics were studied. Motor blockade characteristics such as onset of motor block, duration and quality of motor blockade were studied. Onset of sensory block till T10 level was found to be 8.5minutes with a complete regression in 229.28minutes.