Objective: Unilateral spinal anesthesia is often preferred to reduce the hemodynamic side effects of spinal anesthesia. This study 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 groups was administered 12.5 mg of heavy bupivacaine through intrathecal injection. In Group 1, spinal anesthesia was administered with the patient positioned laterally, the operative side facing downward, and the legs flexed, maintaining this position for 10 min. In Group 2, spinal anesthesia was administered while the patient was positioned laterally, and they were maintained in this position with their feet aligned for 10 min. In Group 3, spinal anesthesia was administered while the patient was seated, after which the patient was promptly repositioned to the lateral position and maintained in that orientation for 10 min. Hemodynamic alterations 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 motor block, it was discovered that in Group 1, block developed earlier on the operative side than in the other groups, but later on the contralateral.

Conclusion: This study illustrates that spinal column flexion is a viable alternative method, offering advantages such as minimal hemodynamic impact and expedited block formation for unilateral anesthesia.