[Hypobaric metameric subarachnoid anaesthesia for anaesthetic management in vertebral reinforcement techniques. Our experience in 6 cases]

Spinal Anaesthesia Using Hypobaric Drugs: A Review of Current Evidence

Spinal anesthesia is one of the most widely used techniques in modern anesthesia practice. It involves the injection of local anesthetic drugs into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the subarachnoid space. The choice of drug, its concentration, and baricity play a crucial role in determining the characteristics of the spinal block and has evolved over the years with continuous advancements in drug formulations and administration methods. Spinal anesthesia with hypobaric drugs represents a valuable technique in the armamentarium of anesthesiologists, offering distinct advantages in terms of targeted action, reduced systemic toxicity, and enhanced hemodynamic stability. This review aims to scan the characteristics of hypobaric drugs, factors influencing their spread within the spinal canal, challenges associated with their use, clinical applications in various surgical scenarios, and potential implications for patient outcomes and healthcare practice. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant articles and a total of 23 relevant articles were selected for the review based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Hypobaric drugs have many advantages in high-risk morbidly ill patients for some select surgical procedures and daycare surgeries. The concentration and volume of hypobaric drugs need to be selected according to the extensiveness of the surgery and the desired block can be achieved by giving spinal injection in specific positions. The dynamic field of anesthesiology encompasses the integration of emerging technologies and evidence-based practices, which will contribute to further refining the safety and efficacy of spinal anesthesia with hypobaric drugs.

Analysis of Anesthesia Methods in Percutaneous Kyphoplasty for Treatment of Vertebral Compression Fractures

Aim

Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) is a routine operation for the treatment of vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Both local anesthesia and general anesthesia are widely used for PKP. However, which type of anesthesia is better for PKP still remains uncertain. This study aimed to find out whether local anesthesia or general anesthesia is more suitable for PKP.

Methods

This is a retrospective clinical trial. A total of 85 single-level VCF patients who received PKP 12 months ago were recruited in this study. 45 patients who received local anesthesia were in group L, and 40 patients with general anesthesia were in group G. Clinical, radiological, and economic data between the two groups were collected.

Results

No difference was found on preoperative data between the two groups. The duration of operation time in group L was longer than that in group G. Within 12 months after PKP, more complications happened in group G than those in group L.

Results

No difference was found on preoperative data between the two groups. The duration of operation time in group L was longer than that in group G. Within 12 months after PKP, more complications happened in group G than those in group L.

Conclusion

Both local anesthesia and general anesthesia were reliable for PKP. However, local anesthesia was more efficient and safer with less expense and more bearable pain when compared with general anesthesia.