Abstract

Spinal anesthesia is the method of choice for the caesarean section and hypotension is a common complication of this method. Lateral and sitting positions are commonly used for performing subarachnoid block in parturients. The present study was undertaken to compare the effect of left lateral versus sitting position on the hemodynamic changes and block characteristics during induction of spinal anaesthesia in pregnant women undergoing caesarean section. Method: Total 100 pregnant women, aged 20-45 years belonging to ASA Grade I and II were enrolled and divided into two groups of 50 patients in each group. Parameters studied were hemodynamic changes, block characteristics, laboratory parameters and then finally comfort level. Results: During the entire observation period after induction of spinal anaesthesia, there was statistically significant difference between the mean systolic and mean artery blood pressure of patients in minutes 30, 45 and 60 whereas significant difference in mean diastolic blood pressure in minutes 30 in sitting and lateral position groups (p<0.01). There was statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of sensory level achieved at 1,3,5,10,20,45 min intervals (p<0.01). Patients in lateral group achieved higher motor level after 3 minutes, this was significant, (P=0.047) and also higher motor level achieved after 5 minutes but difference was insignificant, (P=0.242). However, no difference found to achieve higher motor level after 45 minutes. In both the groups most of the patients felt comfortable but lateral position appears to be more comfortable for pregnant patients, (p=0.01). Conclusion: Induction position for spinal anaesthesia does not affect hemodynamic parameters but it affects the block characteristics

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