Comparative Evaluation of Segmental Spinal Anesthesia with Conventional Approaches for IVF Procedures

Background: With increase in need of IVF procedures, there has been ongoing discussions regarding the best suited anesthesia technique for same.The aim of this study was to compare different general anesthesia and regional anesthesia approaches with focus on intra operative hemodynamic stability, recovery duration and early mobilization, as required for a Day Care surgery.Methods: This study was conducted over two-year period at a registered IVF center.Based on inclusion criteria, a total of 90 patients posted for IVF procedures were enrolled and divided in three random groups.The first group received TIVA, second group was given conventional Lumbar spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric Bupivacaine, and third group was given SAB with 3 ml of 0.15% hypobaric Bupivacaine with head down table tilt.Results: All the patients tolerated surgery well, except four cases needed assisted ventilation in TIVA group.All the patients in regional anesthesia group were conscious and hemodynamically stable intraoperatively, with added advantage of preserved limb movements and early mobilization in the hypobaric drug receiving group.The surgeon's satisfaction score was also higher in the segmental spinal anesthesia group. Conclusion:This study concluded that segmental spinal anesthesia can be used as a safe and feasible anesthesia approach for IVF procedures.The spectrum of hemodynamic stability, preserved limb movements, early mobilization and discharge makes it a promising technique.