Efficacy of isobaric 1% chloroprocaine intrathecal for patients undergoing infraumbilical short surgical procedures

The selection of an ideal anesthetic agent for spinal anesthesia is critical in an ambulatory setting. While lignocaine is associated with transient neurological symptoms (TNS), bupivacaine has a prolonged duration of action. This study aimed to evaluate chloroprocaine for its potential benefits in early ambulation and discharge. To assess the time required for micturition, ambulation, sensory and motor block characteristics, and the time taken for 2-segment regression, as well as to document complications such as hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting. Following Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval, this observational study involved 100 ASA I and II patients undergoing surgeries under subarachnoid block. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. All patients received 30 mg of 1% chloroprocaine intrathecally while in a sitting position. The primary endpoints were the time taken for micturition and ambulation, while secondary endpoints included sensory and motor block characteristics, time taken for 2-segment regression, and incidence of complications. The average time for unassisted ambulation was 130 ± 12.57 minutes, while the time for micturition was 152.59 ± 13.57 minutes. The onset of sensory block was 8.36 ± 1.48 minutes, and motor onset occurred at 10.10 ± 1.2 minutes. The duration of sensory block was 100 ± 12.12 minutes, and motor block lasted 105.93 ± 14.01 minutes. No instances of bradycardia or hypotension were observed in any patient. Chloroprocaine (30 mg) provided faster recovery from anesthesia, demonstrating its suitability for short outpatient surgical procedures, particularly regarding ambulation and early discharge from the hospital.