Intrathecal 1% 2-chlorprocaine for short gynecological day care procedures: Prospective, randomized, dose finding study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Establishing the optimum dose of intrathecal 1% 2-chlorprocaine may reduce the discharge time and encourage more widespread use of spinal anesthesia for day care procedures. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and recovery characteristics of three different doses of intrathecal 1% 2-chlorprocaine for short gynecological day care procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients scheduled for elective day care gynecological procedures lasting less than 60 min and were randomly divided into three groups of 17 each to receive 35 mg, 40 mg, or 45 mg intrathecal 1% 2-chlorprocaine. Demographic data, time required to achieve readiness for surgery, time required to attain discharge criteria, maximum block height achieved, and adverse effects were recorded in each group. RESULTS: The time required to achieve readiness for surgery was similar between the three groups (P = 0.306). However, 35 mg group required the shortest time to ambulate and there was a significant difference as compared with both 40 mg (P = 0.012) and 45 mg (P = 0.001). Voiding and the fulfillment of the discharge parameters were also attained more rapidly in the 35 mg group [133 (120,155) min] as compared with both 40 mg [164 (145,175) min, P = 0.000] and 45 mg [160 (150,175) min, P = 0.000]. None of the patients reported neurological symptoms during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The 35 mg intrathecal 1% 2-chlorprocaine not only provides reliable anesthesia for short gynecological procedures but also facilitates faster achievement of the discharge parameters as compared with the 40 mg and 45 mg doses.