Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine to Low dose hyperbaric 0.5% Bupivacaine in Elective Lower Segment Caesarean Section

Introduction: Dexmedetomidine has been safely used as an adjuvant for subarachnoid block in obstetric as well as non-obstetric surgeries and was found to be effective without adverse effects. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the efficacy of intrathecal Dexmedetomidine for elective lower segment caesarean sections with reduction of local anesthetic dose. Objectives: This double blinded, randomized controlled study was designed to compare the effects of addition of Dexmedetomidine on 1) Sensory and motor block 2) Maternal hemodynamics 3) Post-operative analgesia and 4) Neonatal outcome. Methods: Eighty parturients were enrolled in study and randomized into two groups as of 40 each and named as Group D and Group B. Group D received 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine 9mg (1.8ml) + Dexmedetomidine 5µg (0.2ml of 25 µg per ml ) and for Group B received 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine 10mg (2ml) . Characteristics of block, maternal hemodynamics and neonatal outcome were recorded. P value <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Sensory onset was rapid in D group as compared to B group (3.7 ± 1.1vs 4.5±1.2) and motor onset was also rapid in D group (3.8±2.0 vs 4.9 ±1.9) with 95% CI. Duration of analgesia was also significantly high in Group D (230.5±40.5 vs 145.1±28.5). No adverse maternal and fetal outcomes were reported. Conclusion: Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine with low dose bupivacaine for cesarean section hastens the sensory as well as motor onset without adversely affecting mother and neonate.

Effect of single-dose intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing lower segment cesarean section under spinal anesthesia

Background: Lower segment caesarean sections (LSCS) are commonly done under spinal anaesthesia. Although spinal anaesthetic techniques are relatively safe and associated with quick and uneventful recovery, post-operative pain is a major concern after effect of spinal anaesthesia weans off. Other than pain postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is one of the important side effects of spinal anaesthesia. Steroids by virtue of their anti-inflammatory effect is expected to reduce pain consequent upon inflammation and many studies have shown their efficacy in reducing pain as well as PONV in post-operative patients. Aims and Objectives: Primary objective of the study was to evaluate efficacy of single-dose dexamethasone in reducing post-operative pain. The secondary objectives were to analyse effect of single-dose dexamethasone on hemodynamic stability as well as incidence of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing LSCS under spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods: This was a double-blind comparative study in which 60 patients undergoing LSCS under spinal anaesthesia were included on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. The patients were divided into two groups: Group D: 30 patients who received IV dexamethasone 8 mg (2 ml) intravenously just before giving spinal anesthesia. Group N: 30 patients who received Normal saline (2 ml) immediately before spinal anesthesia. In both groups, hemodynamic parameters, respiratory rate, severity of post-operative pain, and incidence of PONV was compared. P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Patients in Group D had significantly less severe post-operative pain (as assessed by the Visual analog scale) and incidence of PONV (P<0.05). Significantly less post-operative rescue analgesia was required in patients who received single dose of intravenous dexamethasone (P<0.05). In terms of hemodynamic stability, both groups were found to be comparable with no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Single-dose dexamethasone is effective in reducing post-operative pain as well as incidence of PONV in patients undergoing LSCS under spinal anesthesia.

Caesarean scar endometriosis

Endometriosis is defined by the presence and growth of ectopic functional endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The symptoms are nonspecific, typically involving abdominal wall pain at the time of menstruation. It commonly follows obstetrical and gynecological surgeries. The diagnosis is frequently made only after excision of scar the diseased tissue. A case report of 34 year old female patient presenting with scar endometriosis 7 years after her last LSCS (lower segment caesarean section). The patient came with the complaint of supra pubic swelling since 6 months, which was growing slowly. Her menstrual history was regular, but she had lower abdominal pain during menstruation. On clinical history, examination and USG finding the swelling was diagnosed as scar endometriosis.

Transversus abdominis plane block by landmark technique with ropivacaine versus bupivacaine for post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing lower segment caesarean section deliveries

Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block is an efficacious abdominal field block which is widely used component of multimodal analgesia. Compare the efficacy of Inj. Ropivacaine 0.2% and Inj. Bupivacaine 0.2% when used in TAP block for post-operative analgesia in lower segment caesarean section deliveries(LSCS) done under spinal anaesthesia. Randomized double blinded prospective study conducted after institutional ethics committee in our institute. We have recruited sixty patients scheduled for an elective LSCS which were enrolled into two groups to receive TAP block with bupivacaine 0.2% 15ml Group B (n=30) versus ropivacaine 0.2% 15ml Group R (n=30) + dexamethasone 2mg bilaterally. TAP block was administered on completion of surgery. Primary objective was to compare time to rescue analgesia in postoperative period. Secondary Objectives wereto compare hemodynamic response during postoperative period, measure the intensity of pain using visual analogue scale (VAS), number of analgesic doses in first 24 hours, patient satisfaction with pain management and complications if any.SPSS software 16 version. Time for rescue analgesia was shorter in Group B (6.7 hour) than in Group R (9.47 hour) (p = 0.00). VAS was lower in Group R. Higher dose of analgesics was required in Group B (p=0.008). All this led to higher patient satisfaction score in Group R. This study concludes that 0.2% ropivacaine provided a longer duration of analgesia compared to 0.2% bupivacaine when used in TAP block for post-operative analgesia in LSCS deliveries.

Successful External Cephalic Version in Early Labour: A Case Report and Literature Review

Presentation: A 35 year old woman, gravida 7 para 7, all vaginal deliveries, presented with labour pains at 39 weeks’ gestation with intact membranes. Cardiotocograph (CTG) was reassuring. Diagnosis: Breech presentation was confirmed by an ultrasound. Treatment: The patient was offered options of External Cephalic Version (ECV) versus (vs) Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS). She opted for ECV which was successful, followed by controlled artificial rupture of membranes. She delivered a healthy baby girl vaginally and was discharged home on day 1 postpartum. Conclusion: Although intrapartum ECV is not recommended routinely, there is a place for its judicious use in selective cases. The prerequisites include an experienced obstetrician, reassuring CTG, previous vaginal delivery, no obstetric indication for performing LSCS, adequate amniotic fluid volume with intact membranes, early labour, and informed maternal consent. We recommend keeping theatre on standby while performing ECV in case an obstetric complication arises.