title: Complications of super-selective subarachnoid anesthesia (SSA) with hyperbaric bupivacaine: experiences with 355 patients in general and orthopaedic surgery.
abstract: The results obtained from 355 patients of both sexes subjected to general and orthopaedic surgery with super-selective subarachnoid anesthesia (SSA) by means of small (26-27 gauge) needles with a modified Whitacre needle with ogival point are described. The use of thin spinal needles with "pencil-point" type ends together with microdoses of local anesthetics has meant a reduction in the complications typical of this technique such as hypotension, post-dural puncture, headache (PDPH) and urinary retention. Super-selective subarachnoid anesthesia realised through an infusion of 0.8-1 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine is a safe effective technique with a low percentage of side-effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia and Resuscitation, Santo Spirito Hospital, Bra (Cuneo), Italy.
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Pappalardo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Aranzulla
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Di Santo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barrera
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Beltrutti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013346:Subarachnoid Space; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D002045:Bupivacaine