Intrathecal pethidine: an alternative anaesthetic for transsurethral research of prostate?

Abstract

We aimed to determine the usefulness of intrathecal pethidine as the sole anaesthetic for transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) while comparing the incidence of hypotension with intrathecal bupivacaine. A double-blinded randomized prospective trial was conducted involving 40 patients for TURP. The patients were divided equally into two groups; Group A received 2ml 0.5% bupivaccine intrathecally and group B received 40mg pethidine intrathecally. Changes in blood pressure and heart rate were measured over the first 30 minutes. The highest sensory block and the time to reach it were documented. The degree of motor blockade was also recorded. There was no significant difference in the incidence of hypotension. The pethidine group had significantly greater reduction in heart rate, a lower degree of motor block, shorter period before requests for postoperative analgesia but a higher incidence of sedation, nausea and vomiting. Intrathecal pethidine did not offer any advantage over intrathecal bupivaccine for TURP.


Keywords: intrathecal pethidine, transurethral resection, prostate

Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol. 5 (1), 2005: 61-65