Oral premedicant has better patient compliance since it avoids a potential needle prick, and hence can be considered closest to an ideal premedicant. This was a randomized prospective observational study on 120 patients after obtaining ethical committee approval and valid informed consent from patients to be part of the study. We assessed the onset and duration of both sensory and motor blocks along with postoperative analgesic requirement by the patient in terms of first dose and total dose required over the period of 24 hours. It is recommended that clonidine, etoricoxib, and gabapentin be considered as good premedicants for patients undergoing surgery under spinal anesthesia. However, more research using these drugs needs to be carried out in the field of premedication.

Hunan hand syndrome, a form of painful contact dermatitis, is a rare case finding. It is usually seen in people with continuous and prolonged exposure to chili peppers. The main ingredient in chili peppers is capsaicin that leads to the clinical condition, Hunan hand syndrome. This is paradoxical to the use of capsaicin as local application for relief of pain in various clinical situations, such as diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. We report a case of Hunan hand syndrome, managed successfully by using a multimodal approach comprised of a continuous stellate ganglion block, gabapentin, local ice water, and fluocinonide application.

Spinal anaesthesia is considered the best and safest way of providing anaesthesia for infra-umbilical surgeries. It is a blessing for patients with high risk for general anaesthesia, but at times it may be associated with fatal complications. Spinal haematoma is one such rare complication of subarachnoid block. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is also an added concern in obstetric patients.