COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN 5 AND 15 ML OF NORMAL SALINE USED FOR EPIDURAL VOLUME EXPANSION TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF SPINAL BLOCK CHARACTERISTICS USING A FIXED DOSE OF HYPERBARIC BUPIVACAINE IN CSEA FOR ELECTIVE INFRAUMBLICAL SURGERIES IN ADULT PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) is a preferred method for infraumbilical surgeries due to its rapid onset and reliable anesthesia. This study aims to explore the effects of varying volumes of normal saline used for epidural volume expansion on the characteristics of spinal blockade using hyperbaric bupivacaine. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial at a single medical center, 140 adult patients scheduled for elective infraumbilical surgeries were enrolled. Participants were divided into two groups to receive either 5 ml or 15 ml of normal saline for epidural volume expansion following spinal injection of hyperbaric bupivacaine. Outcomes measured included the maximum height of the spinal block, time to achieve maximum block, duration of analgesia, and incidence of side effects.