Randomization and blinding
postoperative pain, pain
REGRESSION, SECONDARY
Randomization of patients was performed by an independent researcher using computer-generated random tables (During the preoperative visit, we collected demographic data from all patients. Additionally, we provided training on how to evaluate their postoperative pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score. The VAS involves using a ruler numbered from 0 to 10, where 0 represents no pain, 1–3 indicates mild pain, 4–6 represents moderate pain, and 7–10 indicates severe pain [In the operating room, the standard monitors were placed and an 18 gauge peripheral IV cannula was inserted. The Dexa group received an IV infusion of 8 mg dexamethasone in 500 mL normal saline, while the control group received 500 mL normal saline only. After this, an aseptic technique was used to perform an intrathecal injection of 20 mg bupivacaine 0.5% by inserting a 25-G pencil-point Pencan (B. Braun, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) needle intrathecally at the L4-5 or L3-4 interspace, with the patient in a seated position. The correct intrathecal positioning was confirmed by observing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the needle. After completing the intrathecal injection, the patient was turned to a supine position. Then, the sensory level (determined by the absence of sensation to pinprick) and motor level (evaluated using the modified Bromage score) [The primary outcome measure of this study was to assess the impact of intravenous administration of 8 mg dexamethasone compared to placebo on the regression of hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia. The secondary outcome measures included evaluating the total duration of sensory block (time from the highest sensory level to the time of sensory regression to L