Comparative evaluation of block characteristics in the supine knee-chest position and supine position in parturients undergoing elective caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia

In pregnant women with category 1 indication for caesarean delivery (immediate threat to life of parturient or foetus) rapid delivery of foetus is necessary. Such patients often receive general anaesthesia, as it is a time saving and a more reliable option compared to the spinal block. There is evidence that the onset of adequate surgical anaesthesia for caesarean delivery can be hastened by placing the patient in the knee-chest position for a minute immediately after performing the spinal anaesthesia in the sitting position. The haemodynamic effect of this technique was safe in the patient population.  There is paucity of literature that compares spinal block characteristics between supine knee-chest and supine positions in parturients undergoing caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia. The study hypothesis is that the supine knee-chest position shortens the onset time of sensory block compared with the supine position in parturients undergoing elective caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia. Therefore, we are conducting this study to assess the spinal block characteristics between supine knee-chest position and supine position in parturients undergoing elective caesarean delivery.