Comparative Assesment of Postoperstive Analgesia, Patient Satisfaction and Early Ambulation Following Spinal versus Local Anesthesia for Anorectal Surgeries

Abstract

Background: Effective postoperative analgesia, early ambulation, and patient satisfaction are essential for optimal recovery following anorectal surgeries. Spinal anaesthesia provides reliable surgical anaesthesia but may delay mobilisation and cause postoperative complications. Local anaesthesia offers a potential alternative with faster recovery and fewer adverse effects.

Aim: To compare postoperative analgesia, patient satisfaction, and early ambulation following spinal versus local anaesthesia in patients undergoing anorectal surgeries.

Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted over 18 months and included 60 patients undergoing elective anorectal surgeries. Patients were divided into Group S (spinal anaesthesia, n = 30) and Group L (local anaesthesia, n = 30). Postoperative pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Rescue analgesic requirements, time to first ambulation, hospital stay, patient satisfaction, and postoperative complications were evaluated.

Results: Postoperative VAS scores at 6 hours were significantly lower in Group L (2.80 ± 1.05) than Group S (4.20 ± 1.25; p<0.001). Time to first rescue analgesia was longer in Group L (6.42 ± 1.56 versus 3.85 ± 1.12 hours; p<0.001). Patients receiving local anaesthesia ambulated earlier (2.15 ± 0.86 versus 5.80 ± 1.42 hours) and had shorter hospital stays (16.20 ± 4.38 versus 22.40 ± 5.65 hours). Patient satisfaction was higher in Group L (4.33 ± 0.84 versus 3.77 ± 1.10), with fewer complications.

Conclusion: Local anaesthesia demonstrated advantages in postoperative analgesia, early ambulation, patient satisfaction, and recovery compared with spinal anaesthesia in selected anorectal surgeries.