The effect of injection speed on the spinal block characteristics of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% in the elderly.

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to compare anesthetic characteristics after two speeds of intrathecal injection of hyperbaric bupivacaine in elderly patients.

Methods: Fifty-six patients, aged ≥65 years, undergoing transurethral surgery under spinal anesthesia were allocated randomly to two groups according to rate of intrathecal injection of 2 ml hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%: group Fast (maximum possible rate; mean 0.