The Effect of Spinal Column Flexion on Block Quality in Spinal Anesthesia Applied in the Lateral Decubitus Position for Inguinal Hernia Surgery

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ŞAHAP M., ÖZAYAR E., BABAYİĞİT M., HORASANLI E.

European Archives of Medical Research, vol.42, no.1, pp.10-17, 2026 (TRDizin)

Abstract

Objective: Unilateral spinal anesthesia is often preferred to reduce the hemodynamic side effects of spinal anesthesia. Thisstudy aims to examine the impact of spinal column flexion on unilateral block development and hemodynamics.Materials and Methods: Sixty patients, aged 18–65 years, were randomly allocated into three groups. Each of the three groupswas administered 12.5 mg of heavy bupivacaine through intrathecal injection. In Group 1, spinal anesthesia was administeredwith the patient positioned laterally, the operative side facing downward, and the legs flexed, maintaining this position for 10min. In Group 2, spinal anesthesia was administered while the patient was positioned laterally, and they were maintained in thisposition with their feet aligned for 10 min. In Group 3, spinal anesthesia was administered while the patient was seated, afterwhich the patient was promptly repositioned to the lateral position and maintained in that orientation for 10 min. Hemodynamicalterations and the levels of motor and sensory blockade were documented in the patients.Results: Patients in Group 1 had less hypotension and bradycardia than the other groups. In terms of sensory and motorblock, it was discovered that in Group 1, block developed earlier on the operative side than in the other groups, but later onthe contralateral.Conclusion: This study illustrates that spinal column flexion is a viable alternative method, offering advantages such asminimal hemodynamic impact and expedited block formation for unilateral anesthesia.Keywords: Anesthesia unilateral, Hemodynamics, Lateral decubitus, Spinal anesthesia