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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Spinal Sonography for Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Neuraxial Anesthesia
Published on: January 31, 2025
Low-dose spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section to prevent spinal-induced hypotension
Eva Roofthooft1, Marc Van de Velde
1Department of Anesthesiology, ZNA Middelheim Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
Purpose Of Review:
The present review evaluates the evidence available in the literature to see whether low-dose spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section is effective in preventing maternal hypotension while at the same time guaranteeing effective anaesthetic conditions.
Main Findings:
From prospective trials, it is clear that lowering the spinal dose improves maternal haemodynamic stability. Doses of intrathecal bupivacaine between 5 and 7 mg are sufficient to provide effective anaesthesia. Complete motor block is, however, seldom achieved and adequate anaesthesia is limited in time.
Summary:
Low-dose spinal anaesthesia as part of a combined spinal-epidural technique is a valuable method in improving maternal and fetal outcome during anaesthesia for operative delivery.
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