Spinal anaesthesia with lidocaine 2% for caesarean section

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Obstetric Anesthesia

Background:

• Spinal anesthesia is a common technique for Cesarean sections.
• Optimizing local anesthetic dosage is crucial for effective pain management and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different volumes (2, 2.5, and 3 ml) of glucose-free 2% lidocaine for spinal anesthesia in Cesarean sections.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 50 patients undergoing Cesarean section.
• Assessment of anesthetic onset, sensory and motor block spread and duration, and cardiovascular effects.
• Comparison of outcomes across different lidocaine volumes.

Main Results:

• 2.5 ml and 3 ml of 2% lidocaine provided reliable anesthesia, unlike 2 ml.
• Higher lidocaine volumes resulted in significantly greater sensory analgesia spread (T4.1 and T3.6 vs. T7).
• Mean duration of sensory and motor block was longer with 2.5-3 ml, with motor block duration correlated to dose. Hypotension occurred in 10% of patients with higher spread.

Conclusions:

• 2.5 ml to 3 ml of 2% lidocaine is recommended for satisfactory spinal anesthesia during Cesarean sections.
• Adequate anesthesia and motor block can be achieved with these volumes, ensuring patient and neonatal safety (Apgar scores ≥7).