EFFECT OF GRAVITY ON THE SPREAD OF EXTRADURAL ANAESTHESIA FOR CAESAREAN SECTION

The effect of gravity on the spread of extradural anaesthesiawas evaluated in a series of parturients undergoing electiveCaesarean section. Following placement of an extradural catheter,25 patients were placed 30–40° head-up for 20 minduring the administration of the local anaesthetic drug; 25additional patients remained supine during injection. Extraduralanaesthesia was induced with 3% 2-chloroprocaine 23 ml and analgesiato pinprick assessed at 5-min intervals. Additional drug wasgiven after 20 min, if required. There were no differences inthe rate of onset of sacral blockade or in the extent of neuralblockade between the two groups. The semi-upright position wasnot necessary to ensure adequate sacral anaesthesia for Caesareansection.