The effect of intrathecal midazolam on the characteristics of bupivacaine spinal block and postoperative analgesia in gynaecological procedures

AbstractObjectives: The present study was undertaken to determine the onset of sensory block, the time to achieve the maximum level of sensory block and the analgesic efficacy of intrathecal midazolam when given in combination with bupivacaine, and also to observe any undesirable side-effects produced by the midazolam-bupivacaine combination.Setting and subjects: One hundred patients [American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and ASA II] aged 45–60 years and posted for elective gynaecological surgery, were randomly allocated to two groups of equal size. Group 1 (n = 50) received 12.5 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 0.4 ml of normal saline in the L3-L4 interspace, while Group 2 (n = 50) received 12.5 mg (2.5 ml) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 0.4 ml (2 mg) of preservative-free midazolam. Standard monitoring of haemodynamic parameters was recorded throughout the procedure.Outcome measures: The onset of sensory block, the time to achieve maximum sensory block and the level of block were also ...