Transient neurological symptoms after spinal anaesthesia with 4% mepivacaine and 0.5% bupivacaine.
Several studies have reported transient neurological symptoms after spinal anaesthesia with 5% lignocaine. In order to evaluate the role of concentrated solutions of local anaesthetic in the development of transient neurological symptoms, 200 ASA I or II patients undergoing minor orthopaedic or rectal surgery under spinal anaesthesia were allocated randomly to receive 4% mepivacaine 80 mg or hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine 10 mg. All patients were interviewed by an anaesthetist approximately 24 h after spinal anaesthesia, and after 1 week patients were asked to return a written questionnaire. The incidence of transient neurological symptoms consisting of pain in the buttocks or pain radiating symmetrically to the lower extremities differed (P < 0.001) between patients receiving mepivacaine (30%) and those receiving bupivacaine (3%). Hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine can be recommended for minor operations on the lower abdomen or lower extremities.
Hiller
A
A
Department of Anaesthesia, Kuusankoski District Hospital, Sairaalamäki, Finland.
Rosenberg
P H
PH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008619:Mepivacaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013511:Minor Surgical Procedures; D010146:Pain / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000187:drug effects
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008619:Mepivacaine; D002045:Bupivacaine