ABSTRACT

In this randomized double blind study we have examined in elderly patients low dose bupivakain and ropivakaine combined with fentanyl during the spinal anesthesia. The 60 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, older than 60 yr, divided in to two equal groups during the spinal anesthesia received 12 mg ropivacaine+50 mcg fentanyl (n=30) or 8 mg bupivacaine+50 mcg fentanyl. Sensory levels, motor block and hemodynamic changes were recorded. The sensory levels did not differ between groups. Bupivacaine caused better motor block than the ropivacaine group, there was significant difference between groups in Bromage 3 level (p<0.05). Hemodynamic changes were more significant in the bupivacaine group, systolic, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate decrease were more significant in bupivacaine group (p<0.05). We concluded that ropivacaine might be a good choice for elderly patient as causing sufficient sensory and motor block level without wide hemodynamic changes.