Comparison of two different doses of hyperbaric bupivacaine for intracavitary radiotherapy in patients with carcinoma cervix - A randomized control trial

Background: Subarachnoid block has been used for intracavitary radiotherapy (ICRT) for carcinoma cervix, but the literature on the appropriate dose of local anesthetic required to achieve the desired effect is lacking. We compared two different intrathecal doses of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (1.2 and 1.5 mL) for providing optimal surgical conditions and readiness to discharge in patients undergoing ICRT for carcinoma cervix. Materials and Methods: This prospective double-blind study was done in 80 patients undergoing ICRT. The patients were randomized into two groups (Groups I and II) to receive 1.2 and 1.5 mL of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine, respectively, for ICRT. The level of sensory achieved, the patient satisfaction score, radiation oncologist score, time to L5 regression, and time to motor recovery (walking unaided) were assessed. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 for Windows (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The time taken for the block to regress to L5 (Group I: 134.6 +/- 32.4 minutes vs. Group II: 143.2 +/- 43.0 minutes, P = 0.31) were comparable. However, the mean time for walking unaided (Group I: 220.87 +/- 47.12 minutes versus Group II: 247.00 +/- 49.83 minutes, P = 0.032) after the subarachnoid block was significantly less in Group I. The patient satisfaction with the procedure and overall satisfaction of the radiation oncologists regarding the operating condition were comparable in both the groups. Conclusions: Hence, a 1.2 mL dose of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine for ICRT provides optimal surgical conditions with hemodynamic stability and ensures the early discharge of the patient.