The duration of spinal anaesthesia in elective caesarean section in Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positions: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: One of the common methods of anaesthesia for caesarean sections (CSs) involves the use of spinal anaesthesia in mothers. Various positions are utilized in this method. This study aims to compare the evaluation of two positions, Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg, in candidates for CS to assess the duration of anaesthesia and changes in vital signs in women.

METHODS: This study was a randomized clinical trial in which 60 pregnant mothers who met the inclusion criteria entered the study. These mothers were randomly allocated into two equal groups using block randomization. One group of patients received spinal anaesthesia in the Trendelenburg position, while the other group received it in the Reverse Trendelenburg position. Vital signs (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, Apgar score, and SPO2 ) of participants from both groups were evaluated for 1 h after the induction of anaesthesia. Additionally, sensory level and duration of anaesthesia were measured. Finally, the data from both groups were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 26 software.

RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of participating mothers in the Reverse Trendelenburg and Trendelenburg groups was 28.93 (5.82) and 30.97 (4.94), respectively. The two study groups did not significantly differ in baseline characteristics such as age, BMI, which could potentially impact vital sign outcomes or anaesthesia duration, and education ( P >0.05). The mean (SD) duration of anaesthesia in the Trendelenburg position was significantly higher than in the Reverse Trendelenburg position [221.57(min) vs. 159.00(min)] ( P <0.0001). There was no significant difference between the two positions, Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg, in terms of sensory level and its extent ( P =0.08). The two study groups did not significantly differ in hemodynamic changes measured 13 times, including heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and Apgar score ( P >0.05).

CONCLUSION: In spinal anaesthesia with the Trendelenburg position compared to the Reverse Trendelenburg position, there is a longer duration of anaesthesia. This is while the two positions did not differ in terms of hemodynamic changes and sensory level.