Comparison of Thoracic Segmental Spinal Anesthesia Versus Lumbar Spinal Anesthesia on Postoperative Recovery in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Cesarean delivery is most commonly performed under lumbar spinal anesthesia; however, thoracic segmental spinal anesthesia has emerged as a potential alternative that may provide more segmental block with improved hemodynamic stability and recovery profile. This study will randomize patients to receive either lumbar spinal anesthesia at L3-4 or L4-5 levels or thoracic segmental spinal anesthesia at T10-11 or T11-12 levels. The primary outcome is postoperative recovery assessed by ObsQoR-11. Secondary outcomes include intraoperative hemodynamic changes, vasopressor (ephedrine) and atropine consumption, incidence of nausea and vomiting, post-dural puncture headache, and time to first mobilization.