Mepi vs bupi in neurosurgery

Researchers at Tufts Medical Center are conducting a study on the benefits of mepivacaine in neuraxial anesthesia for certain neurosurgical procedures. The purpose of this study is to see if mepivacaine, a local anesthetic, can shorten your time in the recovery room/hospital; decrease the amount of time before you can walk after surgery; allow you to urinate sooner after surgery; and reduce any nausea and vomiting that you might experience after anesthesia and surgery.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants in this study must be:

• older than 18 years of age at the time of their surgery
• booked to have either a single-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or single-or multiple-level laminectomies
• able to receive neuraxial anesthesia safely

Exclusion Criteria

You cannot participate in this study if the following apply:

• you are less than 18 years of age
• you are not a candidate for neuraxial anesthesia
• you are unable to give consent on your own

Study Requirements

This study will require data collection of your progress after surgery in the recovery room. In addition, you will be asked questions by research assistants regarding the following: level of pain (on a 1-10 point scale); any nausea/vomiting; dizziness/lightheadedness; and bladder pain. The research assistants will also collect information about the medications you are receiving in the recovery room. Your participation ends when you are discharged from the hospital. No follow-up is required, other than routine post-operative follow-up as directed by your neurosurgeon.