Port Moody

This research aims to test the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial evaluating the use of ropivacaine in spinal anesthesia for adults undergoing elective one- or two-level lower spine surgery. The study will assess rates of eligibility, recruitment, consent, and attrition while gauging acceptability among patients, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses regarding spinal anesthesia for spine surgery. It will also collect preliminary data relevant to future dose-finding studies. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: general anesthesia with endotracheal tube, spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine, or spinal anesthesia with ropivacaine. Those in the ropivacaine group will receive 4 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% plus fentanyl 15 mcg intrathecally, while those in the bupivacaine group will receive 3 mL of bupivacaine 0.5% plus fentanyl 15 mcg intrathecally. The general anesthesia group will be intubated and ventilated under general anesthesia. Participants will be followed for about one year until the last patient completes the study. Researchers will measure the acceptability of procedures and interventions, rates and reasons for attrition, and the success of randomization procedures. The study will also monitor outcomes relevant to future trials, ensuring a thorough understanding of patient and provider experiences and study process feasibility.