Effects of epidural needle rotation and different speeds of injection on the distribution of epidural block.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This prospective, randomised study examined the effect of injection speeds for unilateral epidural anesthesia on block characteristics, hemodynamic parameters, and discharge criteria in 60 patients. Levobupivacaine 5% was administered to Group F over 1 min (fast) and to Group S over 3 min (slow) (n=30 each) with the needle angulated at 5°-10° from the midline. Unilateral epidural block was significantly more successful in Group S than in Group F (70.3% vs. 16%; p<0.001). On the non-operated sides in group S, the maximal sensorial block time was shorter and the regression time for 2 segments was longer (p<0.05). And the walk-out time was longer in group F (p<0.05). We consider that the slow administration of local anesthetic in unilateral epidural anesthesia is more effective than rapid administration.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes