Walking in PACU after unilateral spinal anesthesia a criteria for hospital discharge: a 100 outpatient survey.
OBJECTIVE
This study measured time and ability to walk in PACU after unilateral spinal anaesthesia.


METHODS
Orthopaedic adult patients ASA 1-2, in the lateral decubitus position and placed on the operative side, received via a 25-gauge Whitacre needle 5 mg of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 2.5 microg of sufentanil. Lateral decubitus was maintained for 15 minutes. Time from the spinal injection to eligibility for discharge was recorded. Discharge criteria were stable hemodynamic and ability to walk without crutches.


RESULTS
One hundred consecutive patients (38 females), 48 +/- 15 years-old were included. Unilateral sensory block was noted in 70% of patients. The maximum level of sensory block was at L1-T12 in 30 patients, at T11-T10 in 55 patients, at T9-T8 in 6 patients and at T7-T6 in 9. Criteria for PACU discharge were completed at 140 +/- 14 min (extremes: 55-235). All patients were discharged home uneventfully.


CONCLUSIONS
Unilateral spinal anesthesia combining bupivacaine and sufentanil gives fast ability to walk for discharge.
Diallo
T
T
Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Centre Médico-Chirurgical de la Porte de Pantin, 75019 Paris, France.
Dufeu
N
N
Marret
E
E
Covili
Frédéric
F
Sin-Lie
Marc
M
Gentili
Marc
M
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000379:methods*; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017409:Sufentanil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D017409:Sufentanil; D002045:Bupivacaine