Level of injection in spinal anesthesia: effect on sensory anesthetic level
Becker, N.; Callesen, T.; Thage, B.; Bertelsen, F.; Christiansen, C.
Regional Anesthesia 18(1): 44-46
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0146-521X PMID: 8448098 Document Number: 421775
Background and Objectives. A prospective, randomized study was performed to investigate the influence of the level of injection on sensory anesthesia when bupivacaine 0.5% adjusted to 37.0 C was used. Methods. Three milliliters of plain bupivacaine 0.5% were injected at either the L2-3 interspace or the L4-5 interspace. There were 10 patients in each group. The patients were kept sitting for 2 minutes after injection. Results. No significant difference in maximal level of sensory anesthesia was found (p=0.123). Conclusion. These preliminary results indicate that if a higher level of injection is more suitable for anatomic reasons, it can safely be used without the risk of a much higher level of sensory blockade.