Thoracic segmental spinal anesthesia (TSSA) has emerged as a promising regional anesthesia technique for diverse surgical procedures, offering targeted blockade, stable hemodynamics, and rapid postoperative recovery. Despite increasing adoption, standardized discharge criteria specific to TSSA remain absent, leading to variability in clinical practice and potential safety concerns. To address this gap, we propose a simple four-parameter scoring system designed to evaluate hemodynamic stability, upper and lower sensory block regression, and motor recovery. Each parameter is graded from 0 to 2, yielding a maximum score of 8. A score ≥7, combined with standard recovery criteria, indicates readiness for discharge. This scoring system provides a bedside structured approach for assessing recovery following TSSA. Prospective validation studies are warranted to confirm its reliability, generalizability, and clinical utility across diverse patient populations.
Khan et al. (Fri,) studied this question.