[The effect of the posture in the spread of the epidural anesthesia]

In 20 gynecological patients, the radionuclide was injected through the epidural catheter to determine the effect of the posture on the distribution of the radionuclide in the epidural space. Each 5 were placed on supine, right decubitus, left decubitus or sitting position and the posture was maintained for 30 min after the injection of the radionuclide. The distribution of the radionuclide in the epidural space was determined by measurement of gamma ray by a gamma camera. The data were stored and analyzed by a digital computer (SINTIPAC). In supine and right decubitus position, the radionuclide was distributed more on the right side and in the left decubitus position the radionuclide was distributed evenly. In the sitting position the radionuclide was distributed more caudad and the cephalad distribution was limited compared to the other postures. In summary the solution in the epidural space may move by the gravity but these effects were very slight and are of only minor clinical significance.