Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The combined spinal epidural (CSE) is a common anesthetic technique today. The present study compared sequential combined spinal epidural anesthesia versus epidural volume extension in lower limb orthopaedic surgery. Materials & Methods: 70 ASA class I or II patients scheduled for lower limb orthopaedic surgerywere divided into 2 groups of 35 each. All underwent lower limb orthopaedic surgery. In group I, sequential combined spinal epidural (SCSE) and in group II, epidural volume extension (EVE) technique was employed. Results: Group I had 20 males and 15 females and group II had 19 males and 16 females. The duration of surgery was 124.2 minutes in group I and 118.8 minutes in group II. Anesthesia readiness time was 20.1 minutes in group I and 18.5 minutes in group II. Duration of motor block was 174.2 minutes in group I and 146.2 minutes in group II. The mean modified bromage motor score was 2 in group I and 1 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean pethidine consumption was 4.5 mg in group I and 3.4 mg in group II. The time for sensory regression to T12 was 130.2minutes in group I and 122.2 minutes in group II. Supplementation with general anesthesia was 1 in group I and 3 minutes in group II, time to first request for postoperative analgesia was 224.6 minutes in group I and 190.1 minutes in group II. Number of patients who required pethidine was 8 in group I and 6 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Both the SCSE and EVE procedures are efficient for patients having orthopedic surgery on the lower limbs.