A comparison of intrathecal alfentanil-bupivacaine and ketamine-bupivacaine combinations in postoperative analgesia

Abstract

This study was planned to eliminate the need for postoperative analgesic and to minimize the side effects of intrathecal use of opioids. Alfentanil and ketamine were used in combination with bupivacaine to provide spinal anesthesia in 53 patients scheduled for arthroscopy. Patients were in ASA I and II groups and 9 of them were females. 20 patients received alfentanil plus bupivacaine (group I), 20 patients received ketamine and bupivacaine (group II) and the other remaining 13 patients received only bupivacaine (control group). There were no significant differences with regard to systolic BP, pulse rate, degree of motor blockade and complications between these three groups. However in the group I the time to motor blockade was significantly shorter than the control group; duration of motor blockade was longer than group II, duration of postoperative analgesia were longer than group I and control group. In conclusion; combination of alfentanil with bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia provides long lasting and effective postoperative analgesia without serious complications.