INTRATHECAL PETHIDINE - AN ALTERNATIVE ANESTHETIC FOR TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF PROSTATE

We aimed to determine the usefulness of intrathecal pethidine as the s ole anaesthetic for transurethral resection of prostate (TURF) while c omparing the incidence of hypotension with intrathecal bupivacaine. A double-binned randomized prospective trial was conducted involving 40 patients for TURP. The patients were divided equally into two groups; group A received 2 ml 0.5% bupivacaine intrathecally and group B recei ved 40 mg pethidine intrathecally. Changes in blood pressure and heart rate were measured over the first 30 minutes, The highest sensory blo ck and the rime to reach it were documented The degree of motor blocka de was also recorded There was no significant difference in the incide nce of hypotension. The pethidine group had significantly greater redu ction in heart rate, a lower degree of motor block, shorter period bef ore requests for postoperative analgesia but a higher incidence of sed ation, nausea and vomiting. Intrathecal pethidine did nor offer arty a dvantage over intrathecal bupivacaine for TURP.