View article

Single-shot spinal and combined spinal-epidural block, with or without epidural volume extension, can be used for caesarean section. There is no trial comparing their block characteristics and adverse effects under identical conditions.

60 ASA I or II parturients with gestational age 37weeks or more, scheduled for elective caesarean section under regional anaesthesia, were included in the trial. Women were randomized to three groups: group SSS: single-shot spinal; group CSE: combined spinal-epidural; group EVE: epidural volume extension of a combined spinal-epidural. Intrathecal injection was identical in the three groups (0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 9mg with fentanyl 10μg) and was injected via a 25-gauge pencil-point spinal needle, either as a single-shot spinal or through the spinal needle of the needle-through-needle CSE set. In group EVE, 5mL of normal saline was injected …