A Prospective Clinical Study to Assess the Efficiency of Subarachnoid Block as Sole Anesthetic Method in Neonates Undergoing Infraumbilical Surgeries

Abstract

Background: Spinal anesthesia is increasingly used in neonates to minimize respiratory complications such as apnea and bradycardia. It also avoids delayed recovery associated with general anesthesia (GA) and provides stable intraoperative conditions for infraumbilical surgeries. To assess the efficiency of subarachnoid block (SAB) as a sole anesthetic method in neonates undergoing infraumbilical surgeries and evaluate hemodynamic parameters (PR, BP, SPO₂, RR) and adverse events.

Materials and methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Anesthesiology, M.Y. Hospital and MGM Medical College, Indore, with 84 neonates (0-28 days) undergoing infraumbilical surgeries. SAB was administered at the L4-L5 interspinous space using 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5 mg/kg).

Results: The mean age was 14.39 days with 62.5% males. Hemodynamic parameters remained stable (HR: 162.5 bpm, SPO_2: 99.2-99.36%). The mean surgery duration was 38.3 minutes. Incidence of adverse effects was minimal.

Conclusion: SAB is a safe, simple, and cost-effective alternative to GA ensuring hemodynamic stability and minimal postoperative complications in neonates.

Keywords: Analgesia; bradycardia; neonates; post operative apnea; regional anesthesia; spinal anesthesia.

Figure 1

Hemodynamic Stability during SAB in Neonates