Efficacy of 2-chloroprocaine for spinal anesthesia compared to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background: In 1980s, nine cases of neurotoxicity were reported following the use of 2-chloroprocaine (2-CP). But, Taniguchi et al found that it was due to low pH and antioxidant sodium bisulfite. Further studies confirmed that it was safe to use the drug. It provides spinal anesthesia adequately.
Objective: To study efficacy of 2-chloroprocaine for spinal anesthesia compared to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine
Materials and Methods: This was a randomized controlled study. We used prospective double blind method. The study was done in 100 patients. Random allocation software was used to randomize patients in two groups. Group 1 patients (N=50) received 4 ml 1% 2-chloroprocaine while Group 2 patients (N=50) were given 2.5 ml 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine.
Results: Baseline parameters were similar in two groups (p>0.05). Parameters like Sensory onset, Height of Sensory blockade, Time for two segment regression, Duration of motor block, Time to void urine were significantly more patients belonging to Group-II (0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine) compared to patients belonging to group-I (2-chloroprocaine) (p<0> Conclusion: 4 ml 1% 2-chloroprocaine for intrathecal injection of lower limb and lower abdominal surgeries is more effective than 2.5 ml 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine.