Spinal anaesthesia with 0.5% plain bupivacaine at different temperatures [FARKLI SICAKLIKLARDAKI % 0.5 BUPIVAKAIN ILE SPINAL ANESTEZI]

60 patients were divided into three groups in order to evaluate the effects of 0.5% plain bupivacaine at different temperatures on spinal anaesthesia. 3 mL 0.5% bupivacaine was injected in sitting position and the position was maintained for two minutes. The temperature of the solution was 4°C in group I, 20°C in group II and 37°C in group III. The maximal sensory level of blockade was Th 9.2, Th 6.5 and Th 4.4 respectively. The differences among all groups were statistically significant. Duration of sensory blockade at or above Th 6-8-10 was significantly shorter in the first group. 4 patients in both group II and III did not have complete motor block. The decreases in systolic blood pressures were more pronounced in groups II and III. It is concluded that the temperature of the local anaesthetic solution affects the distribution in cerebrospinal fluid, thus changing the level and intensity of sensory and motor block