Comparison of Saddle Block Anesthesia with Three Different Sitting Times in Patients Undergoing Dilation and Curettage

Background: The advantages of using saddle block anesthesia have been established in certain surgical procedures; however, its application in patients undergoing dilation and curettage (D&C) has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Given the urgent nature of this procedure, it was necessary to compare the patient’s sitting time. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to compare saddle block anesthesia with three different sitting times in patients undergoing D&C. Methods: The current randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in the city of Isfahan in 2024. Forty-five patients were randomly allocated to three groups. In the first group, patients remained seated for 3 minutes; in the second group, for 4 minutes; and in the third group, for 5 minutes following the injection of Marcaine (bupivacaine). Data were collected using a checklist and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: There were no significant differences among the three groups in terms of age, gestational age, length of hospital stay, and maximum sensory block level (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference was observed between gestational age and pain intensity among the three groups (P < 0.05). Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and heart rate showed no significant differences among the three groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Sitting patients undergoing D&C after saddle block anesthesia for 3, 4, or 5 minutes had no significant effect on any of the measured variables, including pain, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. Notably, according to the results, if a pregnant woman is beyond 15 weeks of gestation, it is advisable for her to remain seated for 5 minutes after the saddle block to minimize pain intensity, as shorter sitting times will culminate in greater pain intensity.