Comparison of the effects of combined neuraxial anesthesia and multicomponent low-flow inhalation anesthesia in the structure of perioperative anesthesia management in arthroscopic knee surgeries

Background. Arthroscopic knee surgery is one of the most common types of surgeries in the world. But the optimal anesthesia management for this type of orthopedic surgery is still debatable. The purpose of the study was to improve the quality of anesthesia management for arthroscopic interventions on the knee joint by introducing a personalized perioperative anesthesia management. Materials and methods. One hundred and forty-two patients aged 18–78 years, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, took part in the study. They were randomized into 2 groups according to the type of anesthesia chosen by the patient. In the first group (n1 = 82), individuals underwent neuraxial anesthesia in combination with intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine, in the second group (n2 = 60) — multicomponent low-flow inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane combined with multimodal analgesia. Before the operation, the level of preoperative stress was assessed. During the first 24 hours after surgery, we have evaluated the level of postoperative pain by the visual analogue scale, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and overall patient’s satisfaction with the surgery. Results. The level of pain according to the visual analogue scale, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, the level of satisfaction in the study groups did not differ significantly. The level of preoperative stress had a significant impact on the patient’s choice regarding the type of anesthesia. Conclusions. Neuraxial and general anesthesia for arthroscopic knee surgery has advantages and disadvantages. Decision-making on the method of anesthesia should be based on the patient’s wishes and possible previous surgical experience.