Study of Induction Times of Various Anaesthetic Techniques

The aims and objectives of our study is to analyse the time taken by the anaesthetist for induction during general, spinal, combined spinal epidural and ultrasound guided brachial plexus block ,comparing these with benchmark values and find reasons for delay. Present prospective case study aims at measurement of anaesthesia induction times during a period of two months. Overall 231 patients had induction of anaesthesia combining surgery and orthopaedics cases. Of these 77 received general anaesthesia, 95 patients were given spinal anaesthesia, 39 patients received ultrasound guided brachial block in procedure room and 20 patients received combined spinal epidural anaesthesia. Mean anaesthesia induction time in cases of general anaesthesia was 14.8 minutes, in spinal anaesthesia was 18.5 minutes, for combined spinal epidural was 24 minutes, and for brachial block in procedure room was 30 minutes. These were within benchmark limits .25% of inductions were delayed. The results show that anaesthesia induction times are fairly within accepted limits. Reasons for delay were due to emergency surgeries, preparation for difficult intubation, fibreoptic intubation, hypotension, arrhythmias after induction, bronchospasm, anaphylactic reaction to anaesthetic agents and, inadequate effect of regional anaesthesia. Benchmark values of anaesthesia induction times are mandatory for optimal functioning of operation theatre schedule, however variations may occur due to complications arising during the process of induction .The anaesthetist should not be pressurized regarding induction time limits, keeping in mind that safety of the patient is the prime goal.