Intrathecal pethidine as sole anaesthetic agent for operative procedures of the lower limb, inguinal area and perineum.

Intrathecal pethidine as a sole anaesthetic agent for surgical procedures of the lower limbs, perineum and inguinal areas was investigated and compared with hyperbaric Bupivacaine. A total of 90 patients were studied and randomly divided into groups 1 (bupivacaine) and 2 (pethidine). In group 2, 26 of 46 patients (59%) had their procedures successfully with intrathecal pethidine alone and did not require or request any additional sedation or analgesia. This compared to 24 of 44 patients (52.2%) in the bupivacaine group. Pethidine had a prolonged postoperative analgesia and was more cost-effective. The incidences of side effects were acceptable. (hypotension 13.6%, bradycardia 9.09%, nausea and vomiting 11.4%, and pruritus 15.9%). Pethidine can be used as a sole anaesthetic agent for operative procedures of the lower limbs; side effects are mild and can be treated.