Comparison of the effects of intrathecal different dosage of levobupivacaine in elective day-case arthroscopy of the knee.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To observe the motor and sensorial block characteristics with different dosage of levobupivacaine during spinal block for the patients undergoing day-case knee arthroscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eighty, 80 ASA physical status I-II patients, undergoing day-case knee arthroscopy received 0.5% levobupivacaine; 7.5 mg in Group I, 10 mg in Group II, 12.5 mg in Group III and 15 mg in Group IV for spinal anesthesia. Maximum sensorial and motor block levels, sensorial and motor block durations, time to required readiness to surgery after block and side effects were recorded.

RESULTS: The time required to achieve readiness to surgery was longest and mean duration of sensory and motor block was shortest in Group I. The groups were similar in regards to the number of failed blocks requiring general anaesthesia (p > 0.05). First micturition and unassisted ambulation with crutches times were shortest in Group I (p < 0.01). Home discharge and first additional analgesic request time were similar in four group (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The motor and sensorial block obtained with different spinal anesthesia dosages of 0.5% levobupivacaine were effective for day-case knee artroscopy. Although 7.5 mg is suitable for patients; 10, 12.5 and 15 mg could be used according to anesthetist experience without any side effects.