EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF INTRATHECAL HYPERBARIC BUPIVACAINE COMBINED WITH TWO BUPRENORPHINE DOSES IN ADULT INFRAUMBILICAL SURGERIES: A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective: Spinal anesthesia is a cornerstone in managing perioperative pain, particularly for infraumbilical surgeries. However, its inherent limitation in duration necessitates enhancements for prolonged efficacy. Buprenorphine, known for its potent analgesic properties when administered intrathecally, may enhance and extend the analgesic effects of spinal anesthesia when combined with Bupivacaine. Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study conducted at Jhalawar Medical College and SRG Hospital, 90 patients scheduled for elective infraumbilical surgeries were divided into three groups: Group A (n=30) received 0.5% Bupivacaine 2.5 ml with 0.5 ml saline, Group B (n=30) received Bupivacaine 2.5 ml with 90μg Buprenorphine, and Group C (n=30) received Bupivacaine 2.5 ml with 60μg Buprenorphine. Parameters assessed included heart rate, sedation scores, duration of motor and sensory blocks, and total duration of analgesia. Results: Significant differences were noted in the duration of motor and sensory blocks, with Group B showing prolonged effects compared to Groups A and C (P<0.001). Group B also exhibited higher sedation scores and heart rates post-administration, indicating deeper and prolonged anesthesia. The total duration of analgesia was significantly longer in Group B (389.93±19.93 min) compared to Group A (164.17±8.35 min) and Group C (163.23±18.00 min). Conclusion: Adding Buprenorphine to Bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia significantly extends the analgesic duration and improves the quality of anesthesia in infraumbilical surgeries. These findings suggest that Buprenorphine is a valuable adjuvant in spinal anesthesia, enhancing patient comfort and reducing the need for additional postoperative pain management.