Comparison of Maternal and Neonatal Effects of Combined Spinal Epidural Anaesthesia in Either the Sitting or Lateral Position During Elective Cesarean Section

Objective: Our goal was to demonstrate which position would be hemodynamically and technically better by comparing the effects of combined spinal epidural (CSE) in the sitting or lateral decubitus position for elective cesarean deliveries on maternal and neonatal parameters and ephedrine requirement.

Methods: Sixty parturients were randomly assigned into two groups to perform CSE in the sitting (Group I, n=30) or right lateral decubitus position (Group II, n=30) using hyperbaric 10 mg bupivacaine and 20 μg fentanyl. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and characteristics of sensory and motor block were recorded from intrathecal drug administration until the end of surgery. Ephedrine and 1(st) analgesic requirement, number of attempts to perform CSE, incidence of paresthesia during spinal needle insertion, and Apgar scores were recorded.

Results: Ephedrine requirements and HR changes were similar in both groups. However, MAP values at 45 min in Group II were significantly less than in Group I. Maximum sensory block levels in Group II were significantly higher than in Group I. Despite similar motor block recovery times in both groups, regression times of sensory block and 1st analgesic requirement in Group II were significantly longer than in Group I. Incidence of paresthesia due to spinal needle (3.3% versus 20% in Groups I and II, respectively) and number of attempts to perform CSE (26.7% versus 60% in Groups I and II, respectively) were significantly higher in Group II. Apgar scores were similar in both groups.

Conclusion: Performing CSE in the sitting position would be safer and easier because higher and earlier onset of sensory block, and a greater number attempts at epidural insertion and paresthesia develop to spinal needle insertion in the right lateral position.