Wrapping of the legs reduces the decrease in blood pressure following spinal anesthesia. A study in men undergoing urologic procedures.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Hypotension after induction of spinal anesthesia remains a common and a potentially serious complication despite acute expansion of intravascular volume. The current study evaluated the role of leg wrapping as an adjunct to acute volume expansion.

METHODS

Twenty-four men undergoing elective urologic procedures were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in the experimental group had their legs wrapped tightly while those in the control group had their legs wrapped loosely with elastic bandages immediately following spinal anesthesia. Significant hypotension was defined as a decrease in mean arterial pressure to less than 65 mm Hg.

RESULTS

Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower (P < .05) in the control group at 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12.5, and 15 minutes following spinal injection. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower (P < .05) in control subjects at 7, 8, 10, and 15 minutes following the block. None of the patients in either group became hypotensive following removal of the elasticized bandages.

CONCLUSIONS

Tightly wrapping the legs with elastic bandages immediately after placing spinal anesthesia in mature men is a safe and efficient adjunct in preventing hypotension.