Epidural Anesthesia for Lumbar Spine Surgery.
10.4097/kjae.2002.42.3.331
- Author:
Eun Gyung PARK
1
;
Kyung Woo PARK
;
Byung Moon CHO
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology, Kwang Hye Hospital, Korea. nschbm@hallym.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Epidural anesthesia;
lumbar spine surgery
- MeSH:
Anesthesia;
Anesthesia, Epidural*;
Anesthesia, General;
Bupivacaine;
Humans;
Lidocaine;
Needles;
Neurologic Manifestations;
Prospective Studies;
Punctures;
Spine*
- From:Korean Journal of Anesthesiology
2002;42(3):331-335
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Many anesthesiolosists feel that epidural anesthesia is unsuitable for spinal sugery. However, several articles have been published in which epidural anesthesia is viewed as a good alternative to general anesthesia for spine surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate effectiveness and complications of epidural anesthesia for spine surgery. METHODS: Eighty-two patients undergoing epidural anesthesia for spine surgery was studied prospectively. Epidural anesthesia was performed using 18-gauge Tuohy needles inserted at the L1-2 interspace. A test dose of lidocaine 3 ml was injected to check for a subarachnoid puncture. After a 2 - 3 minute waiting period, 0.5% bupivacaine 12 ml was slowly injected for 3 minutes. The pain at the operation site and roots, extension of anesthesia, motor blockade and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Pain at the operation site was minimal in 83% of the patients; however, 44% of the patients complained of moderate to severe root pain. No patient had a new neurologic deficit as a result of the epidural technique. Perioperative complications were minimal and could be easily treated. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that proper administration of epidural anesthesia for spine surgery is a safe and reliable procedure and a good alternative to general anesthesia.
