Lowering the temperature of levobupivacaine, limits its spread in spinal anaesthesia

Aim: In this prospective randomized study we aimed to evaluate effects of plain levobupivacaine's temperature on spread of spinal anaesthesia. Material and Method: A total of 60 patients among ASA I-III risk group were randomized into two groups. Routine monitorization is applied after preloading of 5 mL kg-1 with 0.9 % NaCI solution. In Group R, 15 mg plain levobupivacaine in room temperature, in Group F, same dose plain levobupivacaine in 4 degrees (°C) were given intrathecally within 60 seconds. Blood pressures, heart rates, SpO2, maximal sensorial blockade level, time to maximal cephalad spread, maximum motor blockade levels and adverse effects were recorded. Results: In Group R, maximum sensory level, time needed to reach maximum sensory level of the spinal block and time needed to reach the maximum motor block was significantly shorter than Group F. Also in Group R, at 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes, sensorial block level was significantly higher than Group F. With respect to the frequency of observing motor block, statistically significant difference was present between Group R and Group F. In Group F, two segment regression time of upper IeveIs of sensory bIock and regression time of motor bIock to Bromage 0 level was significantly shorter than Group R (p<0.05). Conclusion: Intrathecal 15 mg plain levobupivacaine at 4°C led to statistically less motor block, lower maximum sensory bIockade IeveI, Ionger time needed to reach maximum sensory IeveI and reach the maximum motor bIock than the same dose pIain Ievobupivacaine at room temperature