A comparison of different densities of levobupivacaine solutions for unilateral spinal anaesthesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESThe aim of the study was to compare the block characteristics and clinical effects of dextrose added to levobupivacaine solutions at different concentrations to provide unilateral spinal anaesthesia in lower extremity surgery.METHODSThis prospective, randomised, double-blind study comprised 75 ASA I-II risk patients for whom unilateral total knee arthroscopy was planned. The patients were assigned to three groups: in Group I, 60mg dextrose was added to 7.5mg of 0.5% levobupivacaine, in Group II, 80mg and in Group III, 100mg. Spinal anaesthesia was applied to the patient in the lateral decubitus position with the operated side below and the patient was kept in position for 10min.RESULTSThe time for the sensorial block to achieve T12 level was slower in Group I than in Groups II and III (p