Impact of Ultrasound in Obstetric Anesthesia Central Blocks

Anesthesia

Regional Anesthesia, Central Block, Obstetrics, Ultrasound

This study aimed to evaluate the use of ultrasound in obstetric anesthesia, specifically for measuring epidural and intrathecal distances in pregnant women undergoing cesarean section. The relationship between skin-subdural distance (Ultrasound depth) and needle depth was assessed, and the accuracy of ultrasound in determining needle entry site, needle distance, trial attempts, and block success was examined. Additionally, complications such as paresthesia, lower back pain, and postoperative headache were queried and recorded.

Obstetric anesthesia generally posed low risks; however, the difficulty of the procedure and the potential complications increased due to the anatomical and physiological changes associated with pregnancy. The aim of study was to measure epidural and intrathecal distances in pregnant women undergoing cesarean sections and to evaluate the relationship between the skin-subdural distance (Ultrasound depth) and needle depth. The investigator assessed the accuracy of Ultrasound in determining the needle entry site, needle distance (measured at the site where cerebrospinal fluid flow occurred or where there was a loss of resistance in the epidural space), trial numbers, and block success. Additionally, occurrences of paresthesia and lower back pain during the procedure, as well as postoperative headaches following dural puncture, were queried and recorded. After obtaining approval from the Ege University Faculty of Medicine Ethical Committee, the study was prospectively conducted in the operating room of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ege University Hospital. One hundred pregnant women classified as ASA I-II, between 37-42 gestational weeks, undergoing elective cesarean sections with neuraxial blocks (spinal and/or epidural), were included after obtaining their consent.

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Turkey (Türkiye)