A study to observe the effects of addition of magnesium sulphate as an adjuvant to 0.5% bupivacaine for intrathecal anesthesia in surgeries of lower limbs

Intrathecal anesthesia is used commonly for surgical procedures and local anesthetics are associated with relatively short duration of action. A number of adjuvants have been used to prolong the postoperative analgesia. Objectives: This study is to investigate the effects of intrathecal Magnesium sulfate 100 mg, added to hyperbaric Bupivacaine 0.5% on the Spread, duration, regression of spinal block, and duration of postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing lower limb surgeries. Materials and Method: Sixty selected patients were randomized to Group B (n=30) patients who received 0.5% heavy Bupivacaine 3ml (15 mg) + Normal saline 0.2 ml and Group M (n=30) patients who received 0.5% heavy Bupivacaine 3ml(15mg)+50%MgSO4 0.2 ml(100mg) intrathecally for lower limb surgeries. Block characteristics, hemodynamic changes and adverse effects were compared. Results: Efficacy of both the drugs when given intrathecally was studied. Mean time needed for sensory blockade at T10 was 3.3±0.7 min in group B and 4.33±0.9 min in group M and p value (