Abstract :
Background: The selection of an ideal anesthetic agent for spinal anesthesia is critical in an ambulatory setting. While lignocaine is associated with transient neurological symptoms (TNS), bupivacaine has a prolonged duration of action. This study aimed to evaluate chloroprocaine for its potential benefits in early ambulation and discharge.
Objectives: To assess the time required for micturition, ambulation, sensory and motor block characteristics, and the time taken for 2-segment regression, as well as to document complications such as hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting.
Materials and Methods: Following Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval, this observational study involved 100 ASA I and II patients undergoing surgeries under subarachnoid block. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. All patients received 30 mg of 1% chloroprocaine intrathecally while in a sitting position. The primary endpoints were the time taken for micturition and ambulation, while secondary endpoints included sensory and motor block characteristics, time taken for 2-segment regression, and incidence of complications.
Results: The average time for unassisted ambulation was 130 ± 12.57 minutes, while the time for micturition was 152.59 ± 13.57 minutes. The onset of sensory block was 8.36 ± 1.48 minutes, and motor onset occurred at 10.10 ± 1.2 minutes. The duration of sensory block was 100 ± 12.12 minutes, and motor block lasted 105.93 ± 14.01 minutes. No instances of bradycardia or hypotension were observed in any patient.
Conclusion: Chloroprocaine (30 mg) provided faster recovery from anesthesia, demonstrating its suitability for short outpatient surgical procedures, particularly regarding ambulation and early discharge from the hospital.
Keyword :
Chloroprocaine, Intrathecal, Ambulatory.