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Ultrasound Versus Palpation for Epidural Catheterization

Comparison Between Ultrasound-assisted and Conventional Palpation Techniques for Epidural Catheterization Before Cesarean Section

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02410226
Enrollment
110
Registered
2015-04-07
Start date
2015-04-30
Completion date
2015-09-30
Last updated
2015-09-23

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Epidural Anesthesia, Spinal Ultrasound

Brief summary

The study will assess the benefit of using spinal ultrasound before epidural catheter insertion compared to the conventional palpation technique in women undergoing cesarean section.

Detailed description

The study will compare the ultrasound-assisted and the conventional palpation techniques for epidural catheterization as a component of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for cesarean section. Participants will be randomly assigned into 2 equal groups. In the ultrasound group: Preprocedure lumbar spinal ultrasound will be performed before epidural catheterization. In the palpation group: Conventional technique of landmark palpation will be used.

Interventions

PROCEDUREDouble-space combined spinal-epidural anesthesia

Epidural space identification in Lumbar 2-3 or 3-4 space using loss of resistance to air technique with 18-gauge Tuohy needle, then threading a 20-gauge multi-orifice epidural catheter 4-5 cm into the epidural space. Spinal anesthesia administration in an appropriate lower intervertebral space with intrathecal bupivacaine 12.5 mg and fentanyl 10 mcg through a 27-gauge spinal needle.

RADIATIONPreprocedure spinal ultrasound

Lumbar spinal ultrasound using the 2-5 MHz curved probe, performed in both the longitudinal and transverse planes for identification of the appropriate intervertebral spce, estimation of the depth to the epidural space, and noting the proper angle for subsequent needle insertion. Then skin markings relying on the ultrasound procedure are made identifying 2 intervertebral spaces.

Applying the ultrasound probe on the patient's back while the ultrasound machine is on the freeze position.Then skin markings relying on landmark palpation are made identifying 2 intervertebral spaces.

Sponsors

Mansoura University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
19 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II. * Full term parturients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia.

Exclusion criteria

* Body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2. * Patients having any contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia (Refusal of the procedure, Coagulopathy, Uncorrected hypovolemia, Increased intracranial pressure, Local skin infection). * Marked spinal deformity or previous spinal surgery. * Unpalpable anatomical landmarks. * Emergent situations.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Rate of successful epidural catheterization at the first needle pass24 hours after deliveryNeedle pass includes any forward advancement of the Tuohy needle.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Rate of successful epidural catheterization at the first skin puncture24 hours after deliverySkin puncture includes any separate skin puncture by the Tuohy needle.
Number of needle passes required for successful epidural catheterization24 hours after delivery
Number of skin punctures required for successful epidural catheterization24 hours after delivery
Time of the epidural catheterization procedure24 hours after deliveryFrom the initial Tuohy needle insertion through the skin to the completion of the threading of the epidural catheter.
Patient satisfaction (5-point scale)24 hours after delivery5-point scale
Rate of Inadvertent vascular puncture24 hours after delivery
Rate of Failed blockAt the first request of analgesiaComplete failure of epidural catheter after 2 doses of epidural injection of 10 ml bupivacaine 0.25% and fentanyl 20 mcg administered 20 min apart.
Unilateral / Patchy block (Assessed by pinprick)At the first request of analgesiaAssessed by pinprick after 20 min of epidural injection of 10 ml bupivacaine 0.25% and fentanyl 20 mcg
Rate of Back pain24 hours after delivery
Rate of Inadvertent dural puncture24 hours after delivery

Other

MeasureTime frameDescription
Level of successful epidural catheterization24 hours after deliveryThe lumbar intervertebral space L 2-3 or 3-4 used for epidural catheter insertion.

Countries

Egypt

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026