Hyperbaric Bupivacaine With Fentanyl Compared to Hyperbaric Bupivacaine Alone for Spinal Anaesthesia in Caesarean Section

BACKGROUND anaesthesia for caesarean section is one of the most challenging tasks faced by the anaesthesiologist. If we can add potent opioid like fentanyl to hyperbaric bupivacaine and thus reduce the dose of bupivacaine used without compromising on analgesic effect, we may be able to reduce the incidence of unwanted side effects of sympatholysis like hypotension. There also be a prolongation of analgesia. AND METHODS this prospective double-blind comparative study, 60 parturients were allocated into two groups of 30 each. Group 1 received 1.6 mL of 0.5% of bupivacaine (heavy) with 0.4 mL of preservative-free fentanyl (20 mcg dose). Group II received 2 mL of 0.5% of bupivacaine (heavy). In order to compare the quantitative data, the statistical constants like mean and standard were computed. The quantity of the mean value of the two groups were tested by applying Student’s t-test. was significantly faster onset of action in the bupivacaine (alone) group. Fall in mean arterial pressure in the bupivacaine (only) group was 23.80% (mean) while in the bupivacaine + fentanyl group, it was 15.37% (mean). This was statistically highly (p<0.001). The mean duration of analgesia in the bupivacaine only group was 195.67 minutes, whereas in the + fentanyl group, it was 214.03 minutes. This was statistically highly significant (p<0.5). No adverse effects were on the newborn in both the groups. fentanyl 0.4 mL (20 ug) added to bupivacaine 1.6 mL (8 mg) for spinal anaesthesia in caesarean section enhances quality of intraoperative analgesia provides better haemodynamic stability and prolongs the duration of postoperative without affecting the newborn’s clinical status.