The Effect of Reverse Trendelenburg Position on Incidence of Hypotension after Spinal Anesthesia

To prove if 10-degree head-up tilt position during conduction of spinal anesthesia and continue through the operation will reduce the incidence of hypotension comparing to horizontal position in elective cesarean section parturient.

In this randomized double-blind controlled trial. Forty-four parturient were equally allocated into 10-degree head-up tilt and horizontal position during conduction of spinal anesthesia and continue during the operation. Blood pressure, heart rate, incidence of hypotension, ephedrine consumption, and anesthesia level were compared.

Incidence of hypotension and percentage of parturient that required ephedrine were comparable in control and study groups (72.73% vs. 45.45%, p = 0.066) but lower before cord clamping in the study group (68.18% vs. 36.36%, p = 0.03). The sensory block levels were identical but more parturient in the study group required reposition in order to gain the required anesthetic level.

Ten-degree head-up tilt position during conduction and maintenance of spinal anesthesia for cesarean section reduced incidence of hypotension and ephedrine consumption without any adverse effect in both parturient and newly-born babies.