The challenges of single-shot spinal anaesthesia for cesearean section in a morbidly obese patient: a case report

Abstract

An unusual case of morbid obesity, severe hypertension and twin gestation at 36weeks in an unbooked multigravid patient was presented for cesarean section. She was referred from a private clinic to the obstetric emergency unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan with history of hypertension in pregnancy. She was a known hypertensive for ten years and her blood pressure was poorly controlled due to non-compliance with medications and medical check-up. She had been having progressive visual loss over the ten year period and had lost three previous pregnancies. Following comprehensive clinical and radiological evaluation, she had a carefully planed single-shot spinal anaesthesia for cesarean delivery of a set of twin which was performed on a double operation table. She remained stable throughout the procedure and post operative period.

Keywords: single-shot spinal anaesthesia, obesity, hypertension, cesarean section

Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol. 22(2) 2005: 202-204