THORACIC SPINAL ANESTHESIA (TSA) RESULTS, IN UPPER ABDOMINAL SURGERIES

Abstract

Introduction: Thoracic spinal anesthesia (TSA) is a valuable treatment that can be used for a variety of surgical approaches. The surgeon and the team should be aware that the choice of patient is crucial and that a thorough history and physical examination will determine who is eligible.

Objective: To determine the application of thoracic spinal anesthesia (TSA) in upper abdominal surgeries.

Study design: A cross-sectional study

Place and Duration: This study was conducted in King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, from May 2021 to May 2022.

Methodology: This study evaluated 17 cases of TSA in admitted patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and other upper abdominal procedures. Despite its rarity, thoracic spinal anesthesia is proven to be a harmless and current method for a variety of procedures. The treatment has been found to benefit these patients by maintaining hemodynamic stability and decreasing the negative effects associated with general anesthesia.

Results: In this study, there were 10 (58.8%) males and 7 (41.2%) females. The mean age, weight, height, and BMI were 36.71.28 ± 13.9 years, 45.7 ± 4.9 kg, 161.67± 4.1 cm, and 21.1± 3.2 respectively. Two patients out of 17 developed hypotension; one patient reported abdominal pain; and five patients developed pain in the tip of the shoulder intraoperatively. None of the required conversions into general anesthesia were performed; nausea and vomiting were reported in two patients, and none of the patients reported any itching in the study.

Conclusion: With sufficient sedation, thoracic and spinal anesthesia can be administered to normal and even high-risk patients without substantial intraoperative problems and with better postoperative pain control. Giving thoracic spinal anesthesia may be an additional option for certain common surgeries because of enhanced patient safety, a shorter postoperative care stay, and better postoperative pain reduction.