Objectives: In the present study we aimed to assess the effects of spinal anesthesia with a hypobaric solution provided when fentanyl added to levobupivacaine on the characteristics of blockade and hemodynamic parameters at different patient positionings.

Material and Methods: Fourty patients with ASA physical status I or II and undergoing elective arthroscopy were randomly divided into two groups. A 25 Gauge needle was inserted through L3-4 interspace while the patients were placed in sitting position and spinal anesthesia was achieved with 1.5 mL (7.5 mg) of levobupivacaine 0.5% and 0.5 mL (25 µg) fentanyl. Patients in group 1 were then immediately taken into supine whereas patients in group 2 were seated at 45 degrees. The level of blockade was tested and recorded with pinprick test and Bromage scale at 2.5 min intervals during the first 15 min, at 5 min intervals during the following 15 min and at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hours.

Results: Demographic data and hemodynamic parameters were similar between the groups (p> 0.05). No statistical significant difference was found regarding levels of sensory and motor blockades, maximum level of sensory blockade, time to maximum level of sensory blockade, two segment regression time, and regression time to S1 segment (p> 0.05).

Conclusion: We concluded that supine and 45º sitting positioning following spinal anesthesia achieved with hypobaric solution of levobupivacaine plus fentanyl did not produce a significant difference in hemodynamic parameters and the levels of sensory and motor blockade.©2008, Firat University, Medical Faculty.