ACERTO Project - 15 years changing perioperative care in Brazil.

The ACERTO project is a multimodal perioperative care protocol. Implemented in 2005, the project in the last 15 years has disseminated the idea of a modern perioperative care protocol, based on evidence and with interdisciplinary team work. Dozens of published studies, using the protocol, have shown benefits such as reduced hospital stay, postoperative complications and hospital costs. Disseminated in Brazil, the project is supported by the Brazilian College of Surgeons and the Brazilian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, among others. This article compiles publications by the authors who belong to the CNPq research group "Acerto em Nutrição e Cirurgia", refers to the experience of other national authors in various surgical specialties, and finally outlines the evolution of the ACERTO project in the timeline.

The anatomy of the thoracic spinal canal investigated with magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: We investigated, with magnetic resonance imaging, the distance of the dura mater to the spinal cord in patients without spinal or medullar disease at the 2nd, 5th, and 10th thoracic segments. METHODS: Fifty patients in the supine position underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Medial sagittal slices of the 2nd, 5th, and 10th thoracic segments were measured for the relative distances using the 1.5-T superconducting system (Gyroscan Intera, Philips Medical Systems, Best, the Netherlands). In 10 patients, the angles relative to the tangent at the insertion point on the skin were measured. RESULTS: The posterior dural-spinal cord distance is significantly greater at the midthoracic region (5th thoracic = 5.8 +/- 0.8 mm) than at the upper (2nd thoracic = 3.9 +/- 0.8 mm) and lower thoracic levels (10th thoracic = 4.1 +/- 1.0 mm) (P < 0.015). There were no differences between interspaces T2 and T10. There was no correlation between age and the measured distance between the dura mater and the spinal cord. The entry angle of the needle at T2 was 9.0 degrees +/- 2.5 degrees ; at T5, 45.0 degrees +/- 7.4 degrees ; and at T10, 9.5 degrees +/- 4.2 degrees . CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that there is greater depth of the posterior subarachnoid space at the T2, T5, and T10 levels. The greater distance was found at T5.

50% enantiomeric excess hyperbaric bupivacaine (S75:R25) for infraumbilical surgeries. Study with different volumes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hyperbaric bupivacaine is commercially available in its racemic form. In Brazil, 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine (S75:R25) was introduced as an isobaric presentation. The objective of this study was to evaluate different volumes of hyperbaric S75:R25 bupivacaine in spinal blocks for infraumbilical surgeries. METHODS: Forty patients, ages 20 to 60 years, physical status ASA I and II, scheduled for infraumbilical surgeries under spinal block participated in this study. Patients were randomly divided in four groups of 10 patients: Group 2.5--received 2.5 ml of the solution (10 mg), Group 3--3 ml (12 mg), Group 4--4 ml (16 mg), and Group 5--5 ml (20 mg). The following parameters were evaluated and compared: latency, cephalad dispersion, motor blockade, cardiovascular changes, and neurologic complications. RESULTS: The study showed a latency of 1:33 +/- 0:26 (min:sec) without significant differences among the different doses. Motor blockade was dose-dependent. The incidence of bradycardia or hypotension was related with the increase in the dose. Anesthetic failures were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: 0.4% hyperbaric 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine (S75:R25) with D5W provided fast onset of the blockade and the level of sensitive and motor blockades as well as the duration of the blockade were dose-dependent.

Regional Anesthesia in Patients of Aged 99 Years in Clopidogrel Use.

The risk of neuraxial block in patients treated with antiplatelet drugs are uncertain. Elderly patients often have low physiological reserve, delaying surgery can lead to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this paper is to present a case of a patient with 99 years using clopidogrel undergoing regional anesthesia for surgical treatment of hip fracture without complications.

Attitudes, awareness and barriers regarding evidence-based orthopedic surgery between health professionals from a Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) hospital: Study of 400 patients.

BACKGROUND: The fast-track concept refers to all phases of perioperative care: Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative strategies. Although most research has focused on adherence to medication, adherence also encompasses numerous health-related behaviors. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the attitudes and awareness among health professionals involved in the treatment of elderly patients with fractures of the femur and the results of 400 patients. METHODS: The postoperative protocol acceleration was presented to various hospital departments through four seminars. Questionnaire with four ex-residents in the Department of Anesthesiology was conducted. Every 6 months, the results of project implementation to all departments were presented. It was considered adherence to the project when the professionals agreed with all the steps and routines of the project. Patients underwent spinal anesthesia with postoperative analgesia by lumbar plexus block. RESULTS: All departments involved in the treatment of elderly patients' adhered completely to the project and reported the importance of preanesthetic visit, the explanations of design, and reduction of fasting period. Just one anesthetist completely adhered to the project. No former resident of anesthesia joined the program. All parameters studied in 400 patients compared with the data before the project showed a reduction from 21.38% to 100%. CONCLUSION: Improving adherence requires a continuous and dynamic process. We can be inferred that the implementation of fast-track project Brazilian Public Health System (Sistema Único Saúde, SUS) costs decreased with elderly patients with hip fractures. The anesthesiologist was the major obstacle to deployment to all patients.

Acerto Project - 15 years changing perioperative care in Brazil / Projeto Acerto - 15 anos modificando cuidados perioperatórios no Brasil

ABSTRACT The ACERTO project is a multimodal perioperative care protocol. Implemented in 2005, the project in the last 15 years has disseminated the idea of a modern perioperative care protocol, based on evidence and with interdisciplinary team work. Dozens of published studies, using the protocol, have shown benefits such as reduced hospital stay, postoperative complications and hospital costs. Disseminated in Brazil, the project is supported by the Brazilian College of Surgeons and the Brazilian Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, among others. This article compiles publications by the authors who belong to the CNPq research group "Acerto em Nutrição e Cirurgia", refers to the experience of other national authors in various surgical specialties, and finally outlines the evolution of the ACERTO project in the timeline.

RESUMO O projeto ACERTO é um protocolo multimodal de cuidados perioperatórios. Implementado em 2005, o projeto, nos últimos 15 anos, tem disseminado a ideia de moderno protocolo de cuidados perioperatórios baseados em evidência e com atuação interprofissional. Dezenas de estudos publicados com o uso do protocolo têm mostrado benefícios como redução do tempo de internação, complicações pós-operatórias e custos hospitalares. Disseminado pelo Brasil, o projeto tem apoio do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões e da Sociedade Brasileira de Nutrição Parenteral e Enteral, entre outros. Este artigo compila publicações dos autores que compõem o grupo de pesquisa do CNPq "Acerto em Nutrição e Cirurgia", cita a experiência de outros autores nacionais em diversas especialidades cirúrgica e finalmente, delineia a evolução do projeto ACERTO ao longo da linha do tempo.

Continuous posterior lumbar plexus and continuous parasacral and intubation with lighted stylet for ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis is characterized by progressive ossification of the spinal column with resultant stiffness. Ankylosing spondylitis can present significant challenges to the anaesthetist as a consequence of the potential difficult airway and performing neuraxial blockade. We describe a case of intubation with lighted stylet, and use of the continuous lumbosacral plexus for THA and postoperative analgesia with an elastomeric pump. Key words: Airways difficult anticipated, anesthesia, ankoylosing spondylitis, arthroplasty, conduction, continuous lumbosacral plexus, hip, infusion pumps, intubation awake, replacement.

[Reduced fasting time improves comfort and satisfaction of elderly patients undergoing anesthesia for hip fracture]. / A diminuição do tempo de jejum melhora o conforto e satisfação com anestesia em pacientes idosos com fratura de quadril.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patient's satisfaction is a standard indicator of care quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a preoperative oral ingestion of 200mL of a carbohydrate drink can improve comfort and satisfaction with anesthesia in elderly patients with hip fracture. METHOD: Prospective randomized clinical trial conducted in a Brazilian public hospital, with patients ASA I-III undergoing surgery for hip fracture. The control group (NPO) received nothing by mouth after 9:00 p.m. the night before, while patients in the experimental group (CHO) received 200mL of a carbohydrate drink 2-4hours before the operation. Patients' characteristics, subjective perceptions, thirst and hunger and satisfaction were determined in four steps. Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher exact test were used for comparison of control and experimental groups. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included in one of two regimens of preoperative fasting. Fasting time decreased significantly in the study group. Patients drank 200mL 2:59h before surgery and showed no hunger (p <0.00) and thirsty on arrival to OR (p <0.00), resulting in increased satisfaction with the perioperative anesthesia care (p <0.00). CONCLUSIONS: The satisfaction questionnaire for surgical patient could become a useful tool in assessing the quality of care. In conclusion, CHO significantly reduces preoperative discomfort and increases satisfaction with anesthesia care.

Spinal hemianesthesia: Unilateral and posterior.

The injection of a non-isobaric local anesthetic should induce a unilateral spinal anesthesia in patients in a lateral decubitus position. The posterior spinal hemianesthesia only be obtained with hypobaric solutions injected in the jackknife position. The most important factors to be considered when performing a spinal hemianesthesia are: type and gauge of the needle, density of the local anesthetic relative to the CSF, position of the patient, speed of administration of the solution, time of stay in position, and dose/concentration/volume of the anesthetic solution. The distance between the spinal roots on the right-left sides and anterior-posterior is, approximately, 10-15 mm. This distance allows performing unilateral spinal anesthesia or posterior spinal anesthesia. The great advantage of obtaining spinal hemianesthesia is the reduction of cardiovascular changes. Likewise, both the dorsal and unilateral sensory block predominates in relation to the motor block. Because of the numerous advantages of producing spinal hemianesthesia, anesthesiologists should apply this technique more often. This review considers the factors which are relevant, plausible and proven to obtain spinal hemianesthesia.

Spinal anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Thoracic vs. Lumbar Technique.

AIMS: In our group, after a study showing that spinal anesthesia is safe when compared with general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia has been the technique of choice for this procedure. This is a prospective study with all patients undergoing LC under spinal anesthesia in our department since 2007. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective observational. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2007 to 2011, 369 patients with symptoms of colelithiasis, laparoscopic cholecystectomy were operated under spinal anesthesia with pneumoperitoneum and low pressure CO2. We compared 15 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine and lumbar puncture with 10 or 7.5 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine thoracic puncture, all with 25 µg fentanyl until the sensory level reached T3. Intraoperative parameters, post-operative pain, complications, recovery, patient satisfaction, and cost were compared between both groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Means were compared by ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test, the percentages of the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test when appropriate. Time of motor and sensory block in spinal anesthesia group was compared by paired t test or Mann-Whitney test. Differences were considered significant when P ≤ 0.05, and for comparisons of mean pain visual scale, we employed the Bonferroni correction applied to be considered significant only with P ≤ 0.0125. RESULTS: All procedures were completed under spinal anesthesia. The use of lidocaine 1% was successful in the prevention of shoulder pain in 329 (89%) patients. There were significant differences in time to reach T3, obtaining 15 mg > 10 mg = 7.5 mg. There is a positive correlation between the dose and the incidence of hypotension. The lowest doses gave a decrease of 52.2% in the incidence of hypotension. There was a positive correlation between the dose and duration of sensory and motor block. Sensory block was almost twice the motor block at all doses. With low doses, 60% of patients went from table to stretcher. Satisfaction occurred in 99% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed successfully under spinal anesthesia with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum of CO2. The use of thoracic puncture and low doses of hyperbaric bupivacaine provided better hemodynamic stability, less hypotension, and shorter duration of sensory and motor blockade than lumbar spinal anesthesia with conventional doses.

A comparison of thoracic spinal anesthesia with low-dose isobaric and low-dose hyperbaric bupivacaine for orthopedic surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The thoracic spinal anesthesia was first described in 1909 and recently revised for various surgical procedures. This is a prospective study aims to evaluate the parameters of the thoracic spinal anesthesia (latency, motor block and paresthesia), the incidence of cardiovascular changes and complications comparing low doses of isobaric and hyperbaric bupivacaine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 orthopedic patients operated under spinal anesthesia were included in this study. Spinal anesthesia was between T9-T10, with a 27G cutting point or pencil tip in lateral or sitting. Spinal anesthesia was performed with 0.5% bupivacaine isobaric or hyperbaric. Patients remained in cephalad or head down position 10-20° for 10 minutes. We evaluated the demographics, analgesia, and degree of motor block, incidence of paresthesia, bradycardia, hypotension, anesthesia success and neurological complications. RESULTS: All patients developed spinal and there was no failure. The solution did not affect the onset of the blockade. The duration of motor block was greater than the sensitive with isobaric. The duration of sensory block was greater than the motor block with hyperbaric solution. The incidence of paresthesia was 4%, with no difference between the needles. The incidence of hypotension was 12.5% with no difference between the solutions. There was no neurological damage in all patients. CONCLUSION: The beginning of the block is fast regardless of the solution used. By providing a sensory block of longer duration than the motor block hyperbaric bupivacaine is reflected in a better indication. Thoracic spinal anesthesia provides excellent anesthesia for lower limb orthopedic surgery.

Successful anesthesia and hip surgery in a 107-year-old patient.

PATIENT: Female, 107. FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Hip fracture. SYMPTOMS: -. MEDICATION: -. CLINICAL PROCEDURE: Hip surgery. SPECIALTY: Orthopedics and Traumatology. OBJECTIVE: Rare disease. BACKGROUND: In modern societies, elderly populations have increased over the last four decades and have become the main clients of medical services. A hip fracture is a significant injury for anyone, but for older people it can be catastrophic. CASE REPORT: A 107-year-old female was admitted with fracture of the right hip. The patient took a single 200 mL carbohydrate drink orally two hours before surgery. Before induction of spinal anesthesia, routine monitoring was started and an intravenous line was placed. Crystalloids and hydroxyethyl starch in 0.9% sodium chloride solution were administered intravenously during the operation. After sedation with i.v. ketamine and midazolam, spinal puncture was performed with the patient in the sitting position and isobaric bupivacaine were administered. The level of sensory block was observed in T12 and motor blockade (grade 3) of the lower limbs. The surgical procedure lasted 60 minutes without hypotension, bradycardia or decreased oxygen saturation. For safety reason, the patient was transferred to the ICU for monitoring; intravenous hydration was withdrawn and released oral feeding six hours after the end of surgery. The patient was sent to his residence on the morning of the second day. CONCLUSIONS: This case showed that with suitable techniques and conduits can perform surgery in a patient with 107 years.

Clinical strategies to accelerate recovery after surgery orthopedic femur in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hip fracture is increasing with the continued aging of the population. The aim of this study was to compare the results after implementing the project accelerated post-operative recovery after surgery femur in patients aged over 60 years. METHODS: Patients were observed during two distinct periods: Before implantation and after the implementation of the project Acerto. Patients underwent spinal anesthesia with post-operative analgesia by lumbar plexus block. Data evaluation was carried out in four stages of the study in both groups: Before arrival to the operating room during surgery, post-anesthesia care unit and on the ward in the morning of day 1 post-operatively. RESULTS: The project implementation significantly reduces the length of stay, the number of suspension of surgery, duration of fasting, the incidence of hunger and thirst and the reintroduction of oral feeding. Oral feeding 2-4 h before surgery with dextrinomaltose not attended with nausea and vomiting. All patients were able to discharge on day 1 post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of clinical measures of accelerating patient recovery decreased length of stay, the number of suspensions of surgery, the time of fasting, the time of oral food reintroduction, high earlier and faster return to family life, working as humanization of treatment to the elderly.

Implementation of a perioperative management protocol for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the initial results after the implementation of perioperative protocol in patients over 60 years of age undergoing surgical treatment for femur fractures. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of patients older than 60 years who were hospitalized with femur fracture. They were operated under spinal anesthesia and analgesia by lumbar plexus blockade. Data evaluation was performed before arrival in the operating room during surgery, in the post-anesthesia recovery room and in the ward the next morning of the operation. RESULTS: 105 patients underwent various types of surgical corrections of the femur. The hospital stay ranged from three to 86 days. Fasting ranged from 9h15min to 19h30mn. Hypotension occurred in 5.7%. The duration of motor blockade ranged from 1h45min to 5h30imn. Maltodextrin feeding ranged from 50min to 3h45min and the time spent in the post-anesthetic care unit ranged from 50 minutes to 4 hours. Onset of oral intake in the ward ranged from 4hto 8h15min. The duration of anesthesia ranged from 14 to 33 hours. No patient required a urinary catheter, nor was transferred to the ICU. All patients were able to be discharged on the first postoperative day. CONCLUSION: The use of a protocol to accelerate the postoperative period may reduce the fasting time, length of hospital stay and provide faster i discharge n elderly patients with femur fractures.

A new, lateral, continuous, combined, femoral-sciatic nerve approach via a single skin puncture for postoperative analgesia in intramedullary tibial nail insertion.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of anterior knee pain following intramedullary tibial nail insertion is high. Continuous peripheral nerve blockade is an alternative method of pain control to opiods. This case illustrates the use of femoral nerve and sciatic nerve peripheral catheters with an elastomeric infusion pump for major intramedullary nailing surgery. CASE REPORT: A 36-year-old male with fractures to the left leg bones presented for placement of an intramedullary nail under spinal anesthesia. At the end of the procedure, access to the lateral femoral and sciatic continuous nerve block was achieved by using a stimulator connected to a 110 mm 18G Tuohy needle. Postoperative analgesia was provided with a 40-hour infusion of 0.1% bupivacaine (400 mL) at a rate of 10 mL hour(-1) with an elastomeric pump. Anesthetic dispersion and contrast were investigated. The analog scale remained with scores below 3 during the 40 hours after surgery, and boluses were not necessary. CONCLUSION: The use of a femoral and sciatic nerve peripheral catheter offered an alternative to conventional pain control. Continuous femoral-sciatic peripheral blockade via a skin puncture with an infusion of 0.1% bupivacaine with elastomeric pumps is a safe and effective procedure in adults.

Reducing the concentration to 0.4% enantiomeric excess hyperbaric levobupivacaine (s75: r25) provides unilateral spinal anesthesia. Study with different volumes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Unilateral spinal anesthesia may be obtained with hypobaric or hyperbaric solution. The objective of this study was to compare different doses of enantiomeric excess hyperbaric levobupivacaine to achieve unilateral spinal anesthesia. METHOD: One hundred and twenty patients were randomized to receive 4 mg, 6 mg or 8 mg of 0.4% enantiomeric excess levobupivacaine. The solutions were administered at the L3-L4, with the patient in a lateral position and kept at this position according to dose administration for 5, 10 or 15 minutes. Sensory block (pinprick) and motor block (scale 0-3) were compared between the operated and contralateral sides. RESULTS: The onset of analgesia was rapid and comparable between groups. Sensory block was significantly higher in the operated than in nonoperated limb at all times of evaluation. Increasing the dose by 1 mL (2mg) corresponded to an increase of two segments in the mode for the operated side. In the operated side, motor block (MB = 3) of patients occurred in 31 (77.5%) with 4 mg, 38 (95%) with 6 mg, and 40 (100%) with 8 mg. There was a positive correlation between increased dose, blockade duration, and hypotension. All patients were satisfied with the technique used. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anesthesia with different volumes of enantiomeric excess hyperbaric bupivacaine (S75: R25) provided a 78% incidence of unilateral spinal block, with the smallest dose used (4 mg) the most efficient.

Continuous bilateral posterior lumbar plexus block with a disposable infusion pump: case report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The number of bilateral total hip arthroplasties (THA) has been increasing every year. Postoperative analgesia by continuous perineural infusion of local anesthetic has been shown favorable results when compared to systemic analgesia. The use of elastomeric pumps has increased patient satisfaction when compared to electronic models. The objective of this report was to describe a case of continuous bilateral posterior lumbar plexus block with an elastomeric infusion pump in a patient submitted to bilateral hip arthroplasty. CASE REPORT: This is a 46 year-old female patient weighing 65 kg, 162 cm, with rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension, physical status ASA II, scheduled for bilateral THA in a single stage. She had been on corticosteroids for 13 years. Hemoglobin=10.1 g.dL⁻¹, hematocrit=32.7%. Routine monitoring. Spinal anesthesia with 15 mg of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine. General anesthesia with propofol (PFS) and remifentanil, and intubation without neuromuscular blockers. Right THA and, at the end, lumbar plexus block with a stimulator and a set of 150 mm needle and injection of 20 mL of 0.2% bupivacaine and introduction of a catheter. Left THA and, at the end, the same procedure. Anesthetic dispersion and contrast were investigated. Elastomeric pump was installed with 0.1% bupivacaine (400 mL) at a rate of 14 mL.h⁻¹. The patient was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). After 24 hour, a new pump was installed with the same solution. She did not receive any boluses for 50 hours. After removal of the catheter, pain was controlled with oral ketoprofen and dypirone. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous peripheral blockade with infusion of 0.1% bupivacaine with elastomeric pumps is a safe and effective procedure in adults.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy under spinal anesthesia: comparative study between conventional-dose and low-dose hyperbaric bupivacaine.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has the advantages of causing less postoperative pain and requiring a short hospital stay, and therefore is the treatment of choice for cholelithiasis. This study was designed to compare spinal anesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacaine given as a conventional dose by lumbar puncture or as a low-dose by thoracic puncture. METHODS: A total of 140 patients with symptomatic gallstone disease were randomized to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy with low-pressure CO(2) pneumoperitoneum under spinal anesthesia using either conventional lumbar spinal anesthesia (hyperbaric bupivacaine 15 mg and fentanyl 20 mg) or low-dose thoracic spinal anesthesia (hyperbaric bupivacaine 7.5 mg and fentanyl 20 µg). Intraoperative parameters, postoperative pain, complications, recovery time, and patient satisfaction at follow-up were compared between the two treatment groups. RESULTS: All procedures were completed under spinal anesthesia, with no cases needing conversion to general anesthesia. Values for time for block to reach the T(3) dermatomal level, duration of motor and sensory block, and hypotensive events were significantly lower with low-dose bupivacaine. Postoperative pain was higher for low-dose hyperbaric bupivacaine at 6 and 12 hours. All patients were discharged after 24 hours. Follow-up 1 week postoperatively showed all patients to be satisfied and to be keen advocates of spinal anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed successfully under spinal anesthesia. A small dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine 7.5 mg and 20 µg fentanyl provides adequate spinal anesthesia for laparoscopy and, in comparison with hyperbaric bupivacaine 15% and fentanyl 20 µg, causes markedly less hypotension. The low-dose strategy may have an advantage in ambulatory patients because of the earlier recovery of motor and sensory function and earlier discharge.

Continuous spinal anesthesia with high dose of local anesthetics.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Better control of the level, intensity, and duration of spinal analgesia represents the greatest advantages of continuous spinal anesthesia. With the advent of intermediate catheters (over-the-needle catheter) and its low incidence of headaches and neurological symptoms, the technique has been gaining credibility. The objective of this paper is to report the possible safety of the new catheter with a large dose of hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine with 1.6% glucose associated with hyperbaric 2% lidocaine with 1.6% glucose. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 78 years old, 85 kg, 168 cm, physical status ASA III, with hypertension, coronary artery disease, and chronic renal failure. The patient was candidate for surgery for huge bilateral inguinal and umbilical hernias, being submitted to preoperative pneumoperitoneum for one week to stretch abdominal cavity. After venoclysis with an 18G catheter, he was monitored with cardioscope, non-invasive blood pressure, and pulse oximetry; he was sedated with 1 mg of midazolam and 100 µg of fentanyl intravenously, and placed in left lateral decubitus. He underwent continuous spinal anesthesia by a median puncture in L3-L4 with a set with a 27G cut-bevel needle and 22G catheter. The total dose of anesthetic used was 25mg of 0.5% bupivacaine (hyperbaric, with 1.6% glucose), 160 mg of 2% lidocaine (hyperbaric, with 1.6% glucose), and morphine (100 µg). The patient was followed-up until the 30th postoperative day without neurological complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Recently, the poor distribution of the local anesthetic through the microcatheter was attributed as the cause of cauda equina syndrome. This case report showed that, with the administration of high doses of hyperbaric anesthetics through the new catheter, poor distribution or risk of cauda equina syndrome were not observed.