Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α-2 agonist, which when used in recommended dose in the form of an infusion, has several desirable properties like sedation, anxiolysis, sympatholysis, analgesia, decreased anesthetic requirements, maintains cardiovascular stability and provides a smooth recovery. Anesthesiologists have used this drug with great reluctance in parturients due to possible uteroplacental transfer, thereby, causing undesirable effects in the baby. However, literature shows that as dexmedetomidine has a high placental extraction, it doesn't ge transferred to the baby. We tried to review the available literature so as to find in what circumstances it has been used in parturients and in future what are the possible indications of its use in labor analgesia, cesarean section, and non-obstetric surgeries.

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Background: Maternal hemodynamic changes are common during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Many agents are used for treating hypotension. In this study we compared the efficacy of ephedrine and phenylephrine in preventing and treating hypotension in spinal anesthesia for cesarean section and their effect on fetal outcome. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 ASA Grade I patients undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia with a normal singleton pregnancy beyond 36 weeks gestation were randomly allocated into two groups of 50 each. Group I received prophylactic bolus dose of ephedrine 10 mg IV at the time of intrathecal block with rescue boluses of 5 mg. Group II received prophylactic bolus dose of phenylephrine 100 μg IV at the time of intrathecal block with rescue boluses of 50 μg. Hemodynamic variables like blood pressure and heart rate was recorded every 2 minutes up to delivery of baby and then after every 5 minutes. Neonatal outcome was assessed using Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes and neonatal umbilical cord blood pH values. Results: There was no difference found in managing hypotension between two groups. Incidence of bradycardia was higher in phenylephrine group. The differences in umbilical cord pH, Apgar score, and birth weight between two groups were found statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Phenylephrine and ephedrine are equally efficient in managing hypotension during spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean delivery. There was no difference between two vasopressors in the incidence of true fetal acidosis. Neonatal outcome remains equally good in both the groups.

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Background: In this study, we evaluated the performance of the Baska Mask^® , a new extraglottic airway device (EAD) for use in anesthesia in adult patients undergoing a variety of surgical interventions. Materials and Methods: The self-recoiling membrane distally open cuff silicone mask consists of an anatomically curved airway tube with: (1) a bite block over the full length of the airway; (2) a self-sealing membranous variable-pressure cuff which adjusts to the contours of the mouth and pharynx; (3) a large sump cavity with two aspiratable gastric drain tubes; together with a number of special features such as (4) a tab for manually curving the mask to ease insertion; and (5) a suction elbow integral to one port with a second port acting as a free air flow access. The cuff of the Baska Mask^® is not an inflatable balloon, but a membrane which inflates on every breath during intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) to achieve a superior seal when opposed to the larynx. An increase in IPPV pressure increases the oropharyngeal seal. With existing extraglottic airway devices, an increase in IPPV merely increases the leak. Results: Fifty patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III were enrolled. We evaluated the "first attempt" and "overall insertion" success rates, insertion time, ease of insertion and removal of the device, oropharyngeal leak pressure, and anatomical position at fiberoptic view. The "first attempt" success rate was high (88%) and "overall insertion" success rates was considered "easy" to "very easy" by the operators in 92% of patients. Removal of the device was considered easy in all cases. The oropharyngeal leak pressure was above 30 cm H ₂ O in all patients and the maximum of 40 cm H ₂ O was achieved in 82% of the patients. In two patients, no adequate capnogram was obtained, so a smaller size mask was inserted with correction to adequate function. At fiberoptic evaluation of the anatomical position of the masks, the vocal cords could be seen, except in six patients (12%), where only the epiglottis could be visualized. Conclusion: The new EAD Baska Mask^® has many novel features which should improve safety when used in both spontaneously breathing and IPPV anesthesia.

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Introduction: Maintenance of body temperature of obstetrical patients undergoing cesarean section is complicated by a variety of factors including heat loss to atmosphere, infusion of fluids at room temperature, disruption of thermoregulatory mechanisms by epidural or spinal anesthesia and redistribution hypothermia. Infusion of warm fluids is an important method of heat conservation. Hence, we evaluated the efficacy of intravenous fluid warming in preventing hypothermia by observing the change in core temperature with intravenous fluids at room temperature (22°C and 39°C) in patients undergoing lower segment cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four patients belonging to ASA grade I and II were randomly allocated to either of the two groups. Group I received intravenous fluids at room temperature (22°C) and group II received intravenous fluids via fluid warmer (39°C). Core temperature was recorded at every 1 min for the first 5 min, followed by 10 min till the end of surgery using a tympanic thermometer. Results: The mean decrease in core temperature in group I was -2.184 ± 0.413 and -1.934 ± 0.439 in group II. The comparison of group I and II showed a statistically significant difference in mean core temperatures at times 5, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 min and immediately on arrival in the recovery room. A lower incidence of shivering was seen in group II patients, but the difference in the two groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Infusion of warm intravenous fluids resulted in a lesser degree of fall in core temperature, thereby providing a significant temperature advantage; however, this did not translate to prevention of postoperative shivering.

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Background: Spinal block provides excellent anesthesia for cesarean section, but it is frequently accompanied by hypotension, which if untreated can pose serious risks to mother and baby. Over the years, many interventions have been tried to prevent hypotension, but no single technique has proven to be effective and reliable. This study was carried out with the aim to find if wrapping the legs with elastic crepe bandage in addition to traditional methods was effective in preventing post spinal hypotension. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 full-term parturients with an uncomplicated pregnancy belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists I or II were allocated randomly (30 in each group) to have their legs wrapped with elastic crepe bandage or no wrapping was done. All patients received intravenous (IV) crystalloid (20 ml/kg) 15 min prior to spinal injection and were placed in left lateral position. Electrocardiography and oxygen saturation was monitored continuously and heart rate, blood pressure was measured every 2 min until delivery of baby and every 5 min thereafter until end of cesarean section. Significant hypotension was treated with IV phenylephrine 50 µg bolus doses. Results: The frequency of hypotension was significantly less (P = 0.009) in Group B (legs wrapped group) 3 (10%) patients when compared with Group A (nonleg wrapped) 13 (43.33%). In Group A 10 (33.33%) patients and in Group B 3 (10%) patients required rescue dose with phenylephrine which was statistically significant (P = 0.0003). Difference in the "mean change of arterial pressure" between Group A and B was highly significant (P < 0.001) recorded at 4, 6, and 8 min. Conclusion: Incidence of hypotension can be reduced by wrapping the legs with elastic crepe bandage with a subsequent reduction in the use of potent vasopressor. Since leg wrapping with crepe bandage is cheap, easy, readily available, noninvasive, and nonpharmacological method, it can be recommended for preventing post spinal hypotension in a developing country like ours.

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Background: Dural puncture epidural (DPE) is a method in which a dural hole is created prior to epidural injection. This study was planned to evaluate whether dural puncture improves onset and duration of labor analgesia when compared to conventional epidural technique. Methods and Materials: Sixty term primigravida parturients of ASA grade I and II were randomly assigned to two groups of 30 each (Group E for conventional epidural and Group DE for dural puncture epidural). In group E, epidural space was identified and 18-gauge multi-orifice catheter was threaded 5 cm into the epidural space. In group DE, dura was punctured using the combines spinal epidural (CSE) spinal needle and epidural catheter threaded as in group E followed by 10 ml of injection of Ropivacaine (0.2%) with 20 mcg of Fentanyl (2 mcg/ml) in fractions of 2.5 ml. Later, Ropivacaine 10 ml was given as a top-up on patient request. Onset, visual analouge scale (VAS), sensory and motor block, haemodynamic variables, duration of analgesia of initial dose were noted along with mode of delivery and the neonatal outcome. Results: Six parturients in group DE achieved adequate analgesia in 5 minutes while none of those in group E (P < 0.05) achieved adequate analgesia. The mean VAS score was 4.97 ± 0.85 in group E and 4.33 ± 0.922 in group DE at 5 min (P < 0.05). Duration of analgesia of initial bolus dose was 99.37 ± 23.175 min in group E and 98.77 ± 24.955 min in group DE (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Both techniques of labor analgesia are efficacious; dural puncture epidural has the potential to fasten onset and improve quality of labor analgesia when compared with conventional epidural technique.

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In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most recent advances in the treatment of infertility. The availability and utilization of this technology are increasing by the hour. IVF procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis under day care surgery units. Various anesthetic modalities and analgesic regimens have been tested in different studies, but no definite conclusion so far been made regarding the preferred technique for anesthesia and pain relief for these procedures. Many anesthetic drugs have been detected in the oocyte follicular fluid and may potentially interfere with oocyte fertilization and implantation. The ideal anesthetic technique for IVF should provide good surgical anesthesia with minimal side effects, a short recovery time, high rate of successful pregnancy, and shortest required duration of exposure. The preferred method of anesthesia and analgesia should be individualized as at present there are no perfect answers.

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Background: Spinal anesthesia is the technique of choice in cesarean sections, but it is not widely accepted in severe pre-eclampsia due to fear of sudden and extensive sympathetic blockade. The aim of the present study was to compare the heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), phenyl ephrine requirement, and neonatal outcome between normotensive and severe pre-eclamptic women undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 healthy (group 1) and 30 severe pre-eclamptic (BP > 160/110 mmHg) parturients (group 2) above 18 years of age, meeting inclusion criteria undergoing elective cesarean section, were included in the study. After preloading with 10 ml/kg of ringer lactate solution spinal anesthesia was administered with 12.5 mg of hyper baric bupivacaine. Also, SBP, DBP, MAP, and HR were recorded before spinal anesthesia and then at every 2-min interval after spinal block for the first 30 min and thereafter every 5 min until completion of surgery. Phenylephrine was administered in 50 μg bolus dose when MAP decreased below 30% of base line. Apgar score was noted 1 and 5 min after birth. Results: The minimum SBP, DBP, and MAP recorded were lower in normotensive, and the difference between two groups was statistically significant. The mean phenylephrine requirement in the normotensive group (151.1 ± 70) was significantly greater (P < 0.0001) than that of pre-eclamptic group (48.3 ± 35). Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min after birth were comparable in both the groups. Conclusion: Pre-eclamptics experienced less hypotension following subarachnoid block (SAB) than normotensives and required less phenylephrine with comparable fetal Apgar scores.

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Context: There is a paucity of studies comparing crystalloid preload and coload in parturients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia from India. Aims: To compare crystalloid preload and coload for the prevention of maternal hypotension in parturients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Secondary outcomes studied included requirement of ephedrine for treatment of hypotension, maternal nausea and vomiting, neonatal APGAR scores and acid base status. Settings and Design: Tertiary level, teaching hospital. Prospective, randomized study. Materials and Methods: Hundred parturients, aged 20 to 40 years, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status 1 or 2, with singleton, uncomplicated pregnancies scheduled for cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomized into two groups. Subjects in group P received 15 ml/kg of lactated Ringer's (RL) solution as preload over 20 min before the placement of spinal block, while those in group C received 15 ml/kg of RL over 20 min, starting as soon as CSF was tapped. Statistical Analysis Used: Student's t-test, Chi-square test, Fisher's test. Results: The number of parturients developing hypotension in group P and C was 30 and 23 respectively and was comparable statistically. More number of patients developed nausea (19 versus 10, P = 0.0473) and vomiting (14 versus 6, P = 0.0455) in group P as compared to group C and these values were statistically significant. The mean number of doses of ephedrine required (2.6 in group P and 1.8 in group C) and the total dose of ephedrine used (14.2 mg and 12.6 mg in groups P and C respectively) in the groups were comparable statistically. Conclusions: Both preloading and coloading with 15 ml/ kg of RL solution are ineffective in the prevention of spinal-induced maternal hypotension. We recommend frequent monitoring of maternal blood pressure (at 1-min intervals) and prompt treatment of maternal hypotension with vasopressors for better neonatal outcomes.

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Each year in the United Kingdom, nearly one-third of women giving birth will receive a central neuraxial block (CNB). The majority of postpartum neurological complications are secondary to intrinsic obstetric palsies. Despite this, neurological injury can occur following obstetric regional anesthesia. Any postpartum neurological deficit identified by the patient, anesthetist, midwife, or obstetrician should be investigated thoroughly. Prompt recognition and appropriate management of neurological complications is of the utmost importance in reducing the risk of permanent impairment. Anesthetists must recognize and coordinate the appropriate initial management for the complications associated with CNB in order to prevent permanent neurological damage.

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Introduction: Intensive care units (ICUs) receive obstetric patients with medical and surgical complications as well as obstetrical emergencies. These patients needing intensive care present an exclusive challenge both for the obstetrician as well as the intensivist. In developing countries such as India, due to scarcity of ICU resources, maternal morbidity and mortality of such patients is high. Objectives: The aim of our study was to examine the pattern of admission, prevalence, causes, and the outcomes of critically ill obstetric patients admitted to an Indian ICU and the factors affecting mortality. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of all obstetric patients (pregnant and within 6 weeks postpartum) admitted in a 48-bedded ICU of a tertiary care hospital over a period of 18 months from January 2015 to June 2016 was done. The data collected included demographics, obstetric and medical history, illness severity scores, organ failures, treatment given, the ICU stay, hospital stay, and outcomes. Results: A total of 48 obstetric patients were admitted in the ICU during the study period. Mean age was 29.27 ± 5.910 years, mean APACHE-II was 12.77 ± 7.553, and SOFA score was 6.36 ± 4.235. Postpartum hemorrhage was the commonest cause for ICU admission (23%). Of the study patients, 40% had sepsis, 33% had multiorgan failure, 48% required ventilator support, and 25% had need for vasopressors. Mortality of study patients was 8.3%. Average ICU stay was 6.6 days. APACHE-II, SOFA scores, ICU stay and hospital stay, and multiorgan failure are significant predictors of mortality in obstetric critically ill patients. Conclusion: APACHE-II, SOFA scores, and ICU stay are strong predictors of maternal mortality in ICU. APACHE-II and SOFA scores overpredict mortality in obstetric patients. Early assessment and intervention of critically ill obstetrical patients with a team approach involving obstetricians and intensivists is ideal. All obstetric residents should have a mandatory short ICU training.

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Background: Epidural volume extension (EVE) with saline in the epidural space during a CSE technique can result in cephalad extension of the block and may be accompanied by episodes of hypotension. It also allows CSE to be performed with small initial intrathecal doses of local anesthetic. Objectives: We investigated the difference in block characteristics and hemodynamic profile with CSE-EVE using either saline or colloid in the epidural space. Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted in 99 parturients, ASA grade I or II, with gestational age 37 weeks or more, undergoing elective cesarean section under CSEA. Women were randomly distributed into three groups: Group NEVE (CSE with no EVE), Group EVE-S (CSE followed by EVE using 5 ml of 0.9% saline), and Group EVE-H (CSE followed by EVE using 5 ml of 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 200/0.5). All the groups received 6 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 25 mcg fentanyl intrathecally, while Groups EVE-S and EVE-H also received 5 ml of saline or HES in the epidural space. All blocks were performed using needle through needle CSE technique via midline approach at the L _4-5 interspace with the women in the left lateral position. Block characteristics and hemodynamic parameters were recorded by an independent anesthesiologist. Data were compared with Chi-square, t test, and ANOVA using Epi info 6 with P < 0.05 as significant. Results: The peak sensory level and the time taken to achieve it was significant in Group EVE-S (P = 0.003 temperature, P = 0.007 pinprick, P = 0.000 time) as compared to Group NEVE while Group EVE-H was intermediate as compared to the other two groups. In Group EVE-S, there was a difference in the mean peak sensory levels as assessed by temperature (thoracic T _4.88±1.01 ) and pinprick (T _5.04±1.02 ), whereas it was the same in the other two groups (T _6.10±1.41 in Group NEVE and T _5.44±1.35 in Group EVE-H). The requirement for ketamine supplementation was significantly more in Group NEVE (54.5%) as compared to Group EVE-S (24.2%) and Group EVE-H (27.3%), P = 0.018. The motor block characteristics were comparable in all the three groups (P > 0.05).The lowest attained values of heart rate, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure were significantly less in Group EVE-S versus Group NEVE (P = 0.019, 0.008, and 0.001, respectively), while hemodynamic parameters in Group EVE-H were intermediate. Incidence of hypotension was significantly more in Group EVE-S (n = 20, 60.6%), as compared to Group NEVE (n = 9, 27.3%, P = 0.02) and Group EVE-H (n = 13, 39.4%). Conclusion: We conclude that an intrathecal dose of 6 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine with 25 mcg fentanyl is adequate for cesarean section when used in CSE with the EVE technique, using 0.9% saline or 6% HES. However, EVE with HES provides optimal hemodynamic profile as compared to EVE with saline.

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Context: Combined spinal epidural (CSE) analgesia technique is effective for labor analgesia and various concentrations of bupivacaine and lipophilic opioids like fentanyl have been studied. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha 2 adrenoreceptor agonist with analgesic properties and has been used intrathecally with bupivacaine for prolonged postoperative analgesia. Recent reviews have shown that it is highly lipophilic and does not cross placenta significantly. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the duration and quality of analgesia, maternal and neonatal outcomes after CSE labor analgesia with intrathecal dexmedetomidine and intrathecal fentanyl followed by epidural bupivacaine. Settings and Design: A randomized observational study with 112 parturients in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: 112 parturients were randomly divided to two groups. Group D (n = 58) received dexmedetomidine 10 μg and group F (n = 54) received fentanyl 20 μg intrathecally for labor analgesia. The time of onset, time to maximum analgesia, duration and quality of analgesia were noted. Maternal parameters of heart rate, noninvasive blood pressure, motor block and side-effects of pruritus, nausea and vomiting were recorded. Neonatal outcome in terms of mode of delivery, neonatal APGAR score, time to first cry, need for resuscitation, umbilical cord blood pH, initiation of breast feeding, Neurologic and Adaptive Capacity Score at 24 h and exclusivity of breast feeding at 6 weeks were recorded. Results: Duration of analgesia was 160.54 ± 52.4 min with dexmedetomidine and 124.1 ± 46.93 min with fentanyl (P < 0.001). Visual analog score (VAS) recorded at maximal analgesia was significantly lesser in the fentanyl group compared to dexmedetomidine group, denoting a significantly deeper level of analgesia with fentanyl. However, all the mothers in the dexmedetomidine group achieved a VAS <3 and were satisfied with the quality of analgesia. About 74% patients in the fentanyl group experienced pruritus after intrathecal injection whereas none of the mothers in dexmedetomidine group experienced pruritus (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in neonatal outcome between the two groups. Conclusion: 10 μg dexmedetomidine intrathecally provides a longer duration of analgesia with lesser incidence of pruritus compared to 20 μg fentanyl intrathecally for CSE labor analgesia with comparable neonatal side-effects.

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Context: Pain is subjective and labor pain perception is said to be influenced by personality, culture, parity, educational status and maternal weight. Objectives: This study assessed the Igbo Women's perception of labor pain and evaluated factors influencing their perception of labor pain as well as ascertained the level of utilization of obstetric analgesia by parturients. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that spanned 6 months (January 1, to June 30, 2011) and involved parturients of Igbo extraction who delivered by vaginal route in 3 different referral hospitals. They were interviewed with self-administered questionnaires within the first 24-48 hours postpartum. Labor pains were rated using a 3-pont verbal rating scale (VRS). Data were analysed with MathCAD 7 statistical soft ware package. Results: A total of 530 parturients were interviewed but only 500 were analysed. Fifty-two percent of parturients rated labor pain as severe. While 67.6% of parturients desired labor pain alleviation, only 38% actually requested for analgesia, and only 27% of parturients received pain relief during labor. The commonest pain relief available was intramuscular injection of Pentazocine Hydrochloride (92.6%) The influence of age, parity, educational status, maternal weight and companionship, on pain perception was statistically significant. Conclusion: Though most Igbo women found labor painful, they tend to cope with it. Most Igbo parturients did not request for pain relief and only a fraction of those who did request received it. Adequate antenatal preparation for the birthing process is necessary.

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Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the onset, duration of sensory and motor block, hemodynamic effects (if any), duration and quality of postoperative analgesia, and adverse effects of magnesium or fentanyl given intrathecally with hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine in patients with mild preeclampsia undergoing elective caesarean sections. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 women with mild preeclampsia undergoing elective cesarean section were included in a prospective, double-blind, controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive spinal anesthesia with 2 mL 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 12.5 μg fentanyl (Group F) or 0.1 mL of 50% magnesium sulfate (50 mg) (Group M) with 0.15 ml preservative free distilled water. Onset, duration and recovery of sensory and motor block, time to maximum sensory block, duration of spinal anesthesia and postoperative analgesia requirements were studied. Statistical comparison was carried out using the Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests and independent Student's t-test where appropriate. Results: The onset of both sensory and motor block was slower in the magnesium group. The duration of spinal anesthesia (246 min ± 11 min vs. 284 min ± 15 min; P < 0.001) and motor block (186.3 ± 12 min vs. 210 ± 10 min; P < 0.001) were significantly longer in the magnesium group. Total analgesic dose requirement was less in Group M. Hemodynamic parameters were comparable in the two groups. Intrathecal magnesium caused minimal side effects. Conclusions: The addition of magnesium sulfate 50 mg to bupivacaine for sub-arachnoid block in patients with mild preeclampsia undergoing elective cesarean section prolongs the duration of analgesia and reduces postoperative analgesic requirements without additional side effects and adverse neonatal outcomes

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Background: Anaesthesia for caesarean section poses challenges unique to the obstetric patient due to changes in the airway and respiratory system. The choice of anaesthesia for caesarean section depends on various factors; however, general anaesthesia (GA) is necessary in certain situations. Supraglottic airway devices are an emerging method to secure the airway, especially in difficult situations. Of these devices, ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) is designed to provide better protection of the airway. Use of PLMA has been reported to be successful as a rescue device in difficult intubation situations and in patients undergoing elective caesarean section without any complications. Hence, this prospective randomized study was designed to compare the use of PLMA with endotracheal tube (ETT) in patients undergoing elective lower segment caesarean section (LSCS). Material and Methods: Patients undergoing LSCS under GA belonging to the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grades 1 and 2 were included. Patients with history of less than 6 h of fasting, known/predicted difficult airway, obesity, gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and hypertensive disorder were excluded. A standard anaesthesia protocol was followed. All patients received aspiration prophylaxis. The airway was maintained with either PLMA or ETT. The parameters including ease of insertion, adequacy of ventilation, hemodynamic changes at insertion and removal of device, and incidence of regurgitation and aspiration were noted. Statistical analysis: The data were analyzed by unpaired t-test, chi-square/Fisher's test. Results: Findings of the study indicated that PLMA was easy to insert (20.67 ± 6.835 s) with comparable insertion time to ETT (18.33 ± 4.971, P = 0.136) and adequate ventilation was achieved with very minimal hemodynamic changes seen with PLMA as compared to ETT at the insertion and removal of devices (P = 0.01). There was no incidence of regurgitation with the use of PLMA. The incidence of postoperative sore throat was minimal (6.7%) with PLMA (P < 0.05). Conclusion: PLMA appears to be a safe alternative to ETT for selected obstetric patients undergoing elective LSCS. A further study with a large group of patients is required to establish the safety of PLMA in obstetric patients.

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Background: Minimum effective concentration of local anesthetics for providing optimal labor epidural analgesia and the strategies aiming to reduce their consumption are continuously being searched. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 0.125% and 0.2% ropivacaine both mixed with fentanyl 2 mcg/ml for epidural labor analgesia. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 parturients in active labor were randomly assigned to two groups of 40 each, to receive an epidural injection of 15 ml ropivacaine 0.125% with fentanyl (2 mcg/ml) in group R1 and 15 ml of ropivacaine 0.2% with fentanyl (2 mcg/ml) in group R2 as initial bolus dose. Same dose regimen was used as subsequent top-up dose on patients demand for pain relief. The duration and quality of analgesia, motor block, top-up doses required consumption of ropivacaine and fentanyl and feto-maternal outcome in both groups were compared. Results: Effective labor analgesia with no motor blockade was observed in both groups with no failure rate. Onset of analgesia was significantly faster in group R2 (75% parturients in 0-5 min) as compared to group R1 (25% parturients in 0-5 min), P < 0.001. Duration of analgesia after initial bolus dose was also significantly longer in group R2 (132 ± 56.81 min) than in group R1 (72.25 ± 40.26 min), P < 0.001. Mean VAS scores were significantly less in group R2 than in group R1 at 5, 60, and 90 min, P < 0.01. Requirement of top-up doses was significantly less in group R2 (0.05 ± 0.22) as compared to group R1 (0.80 ± 0.65), P < 0.001. Consumption of ropivacaine was comparable in both the groups (33.75 ± 12.16 mg in group R1 and 31.50 ± 6.62 mg in group R2 P > 0.05), but consumption of fentanyl was significantly more in group R1 (54.00 ± 19.45) as compared to group R2 (31.50 ± 6.62), P < 0.001. There were no significant changes in hemodynamics, nor adverse effects related to neonatal or maternal outcomes in both groups. Conclusion: We conclude that both the concentrations of ropivacaine (0.2% and 0.125%) with fentanyl are effective in producing epidural labor analgesia. However, 0.2% concentration was found superior in terms of faster onset, prolonged duration, lesser breakthrough pain requiring lesser top-ups, and hence a lesser consumption of opioids.

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Background: Hypotension during subarachnoid block for caesarean section (CS) is the most common and potentially dangerous complication. Bupivacaine has been implicated for this effect in a dose dependent manner. Hypotension can be prevented by using lower doses of bupivacaine with intrathecal midazolam as an adjuvant drug, though the optimum dose-ratio of bupivacaine with midazolam remains unaddressed. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted enrolling 120 consecutive ASA grade I obstetric patients undergoing elective CS in a tertiary care hospital. A baseline supine position noninvasive blood pressure (BP) was recorded. All patients were preloaded with 500 ml of lactated Ringers' solution. Varying doses of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine were used (7.5mg in group II, 6mg in group III and 5mg in group IV), in combination with 2mg midazolam in each group. Appropriately matched controls were given 11mg bupivacaine alone (Group I). Intra-operatively, BP was measured at every 2 minutes till 30 minutes and every 10 minutes thereafter. Hypotensive episodes [Systolic BP (SBP) < 100 mmHg] were recorded in each group. Quality of surgical anesthesia was graded as "excellent", "good" and "poor" as per the validated scoring system. The outcomes in different groups were compared by one-way ANOVA . intra group comparisons were done with t test Results: All the four groups had 30 patients each. The incidence of hypotension was significantly lower in the groups using low-dose bupivacaine and midazolam, with a lesser fall in SBP than group I. Onset of sensory and motor blocks, and quality of surgical anesthesia were unaffected in group II while significant deterioration was noticed in groups III and IV. Conclusion: We found that 7.5 mg bupivacaine with 2 mg midazolam is the optimum dose ratio combination to be used in subarachnoid block for caesarean section.

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Background and Aims: The management of post-cesarean delivery pain is of utmost importance to prevent undesirable outcomes. Local anesthetic wound infiltration and bilateral ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric (ILIH) nerve block are two potential techniques to provide better postoperative analgesia. In this study, these two techniques have been compared for the management of postoperative pain in the elective cesarean section. Materials and Methods: After approval from the institutional ethics committee and informed consent from patients, this study was conducted on 150 patients who underwent elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Patients were allotted into three groups: group C (postoperative sham injection), group L (postoperative infiltration of incision site with 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine), and the group I (postoperative bilateral ILIH block with 10 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine on each side under ultrasound guidance). The objectives of our study were to evaluate the duration of analgesia, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and the cumulative analgesic requirement for pain relief and a number of analgesic demands. Student t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the analgesic parameters among the groups. Results: Group I had a significantly longer duration of analgesia (515.64 ± 82.87 min) compared to group L (280.87 ± 39.47 min), and group C (246.89 ± 37.85 min). Group I had significantly lower VAS scores compared to the groups L and C. Group I (1.72 ± 0.68) had lower analgesic demands compared to group L (3.26 ± 0.64) and group C (4.62 ± 0.65). The cumulative analgesic requirement was significantly lower in group I. Conclusion: ILIH nerve block has a longer duration of postoperative pain relief in cesarean delivery patients compared to local infiltration and placebo.

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Introduction: As ultrasound allows more accurate placement of local anesthetic (LA), ultrasound-guided modified rectus sheath block (MRSB) was compared with wound infiltration (WI) in women having open hysterectomy or myomectomy for fibroids via a Pfannenstiel incision under general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: Forty-two American Society of Anesthesiologists Class ASA I,II and III patients were recruited into two groups in a randomized patient-blinded controlled trial excluding those with coagulopathy, infection, or LA allergy. At the end of surgery, in the study group (Group U), an MRSB, under ultrasound guidance, was administered with 20 ml 0.25% levobupivacaine through a single skin puncture in the midline, 2 cm below the umbilicus, on either side of the midline, above the posterior sheath. In the control group (Group W), WI with 20 ml 0.5% levobupivacaine was done by the surgeon. The primary outcome measure was the amount of morphine consumed in the first 24 h after the surgery in the ward. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS v.14.0. Results: Morphine consumption in the intraoperative and recovery periods was 10 mg and 0.0 mg, respectively, in both groups. In both the groups, pain measured by visual analog scale correct (VAS) (both at rest and on movement), morphine consumption (12.0 mg [18.0 mg] vs. 12.0 mg [23.0 mg], median interquartile range [IQR], p = 0.950), and the number of oral analgesic doses administered during the study period were comparable. However, number of patients who were "extremely satisfied" compared to "satisfied" with the analgesia were more in the Group U than in Group W (15/6 vs. 4/17, P-0.001). Sedation, nausea and vomiting, and antiemetic doses given were minimal and comparable in both groups. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided MRSB does not show any significant difference in the 24 h morphine consumption as compared to WI.

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Headache in the postpartum period is common and multifactorial in origin. Apart from primary causes such as tension headaches and migraine, secondary headaches such as post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) are increasingly common because of increasing use of regional anaesthesia and analgesia during childbirth. Preventive measures for PDPH include the use of smaller gauge pencil-point needles for spinal blocks; epidural needles of 18 G or less; using saline rather than air for epidural space identification and the use of ultrasound guidance, especially for difficult cases such as morbid obesity and spinal deformities. In case of accidental dural puncture (ADP), the choice is between inserting the catheter in an adjacent space or intrathecal catheterization. Current evidence seems to be in favour of inserting the epidural catheter into the subarachnoid space and using the intrathecal catheter for analgesia/anaesthesia after prominently labelling it as intrathecal, to prevent misuse. It should be removed after at least 24 hours and a 10 ml bolus of saline injected before removal of catheter may be helpful. Either way, having written protocols for the management of accidental dural puncture helps to reduce the incidence of PDPH. PDPH can be disabling in severity and can mar the whole experience of childbirth. In addition, severe untreated PDPH can cause complications such as nerve palsies, subdural hematoma and cerebral venous thrombosis. Conservative methods of treatment should be tried first such as adequate hydration, paracetamol, caffeine, sumatriptan or ACTH/hydrocortisone. Epidural blood patching is the most effective treatment for PDPH. It is more effective if done 24-48 hours after dural puncture. It is an invasive procedure with its own complications as well as a failure rate of up to 30%, so that a second or even third patch may be necessary. Both these facts should be intimated to the patient beforehand. Meticulous follow-up and evaluation of these patients is an important responsibility of the obstetric and anaesthetic team. Persistent headache, loss of the postural nature of the headache, altered sensorium, onset of focal neurological deficits and seizures are all features necessitating further investigation including neuroradiological imaging.

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