Hemodynamic effects of right pelvic wedge in patients undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia

Background: Several methods have been used to prevent post spinal hypotension including preloading, co-loading, use of vasopressors, placement of pelvic wedge, lumbar wedge and tilting of operating table in parturients undergoing cesarean section. We conducted a randomized controlled study to determine the hemodynamic effects of a standard pelvic wedge placed below the right hip immediately after the spinal block till the delivery of baby. Methods: One hundred consenting women undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to wedge group (N=50) and control group (N=50). A standard wedge was placed under the right pelvis soon after spinal anesthesia till the delivery of baby in wedge group whereas the control group remained supine. Hemodynamic parameters including blood pressure, heart rate, vasopressor consumption, other side effects like nausea, vomiting and neonatal outcome were also recorded. Results: The incidence of hypotension and bradycardia was similar between groups (Wedge group 60% vs Control group 75.51%, p=0.125) before the birth of baby. The use of vasopressors (p=0.212), incidence of nausea (p=0.346) and Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes (p=0.629, p=0.442) were also not statistically significant. None of the patients had vomiting. Conclusion: In our study, the use of right pelvic wedge immediately after spinal anesthesia was not effective in preventing post spinal hypotension in elective cesarean section.