A comparison of selective spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine and general anesthesia with desflurane for outpatient knee arthroscopy.

In this randomized and controlled trial, 64 adult ambulatory knee arthroscopy patients received either selective spinal anesthesia (SSA) with 4 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine or general anesthesia (GA) with desflurane. We conducted the study to determine whether SSA with small-dose bupivacaine provides equal fast-tracking possibilities, a shorter stay in the postanesthesia care unit, and earlier discharge home compared with GA with desflurane. Patients with a high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting received prophylaxis in the GA group.