[The effect of obesity on spinal anesthesia for cesarean section]

To evaluate the effect of obesity on spinal anesthesia for cesarean section, we retrospectively studied 90 parturients who had undergone cesarean section, dividing the patients into 2 groups: obesity group (body mass index > 30, n = 41); control group (body mass index < 30, n = 49). Total surgical time and anesthetic time were longer in the obesity group than in the control group. The amount of ephedrine administered was also greater in the obesity group than in the control group. However, there were no significant differences in time for spinal tap and the incidence of hypotension between the two groups. Spinal anesthesia for cesarean section in obese patients may be an acceptable method.