RESUMEN
Intrathecal pethidine as a sole anaesthetic agent for surgical procedures of the lower limbs, perineum and inguinal areas was investigated and compared with hyperbaric Bupivacaine. A total of 90 patients were randomly divided into groups 1 (bupivacaine) and 2 (pethidine). In group 2, 26 of 46 patients (59 percent) had their procedures successfully with intrathecal pethidine alone and did not require or request any additional sedation or analgesia. This compared to 24 of 44 patients (52.2 percent) in the bupivacaine group. Pethidine had a prolonged postoperative analgesia and was more cost-effective. The incidences of side effects were acceptable. (hypotension 13.6 percent, bradycardia 9.09 percent, nausea and vomiting 11.4 percent, and pruritus 15.9 percent). Pethidine can be used as a sole anaesthetic agent for operative procedures of the lower limbs; side effects are mild and can be treated. (AU)