Ultrasonography Versus Palpation for Spinal Anesthesia in Obese Parturients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery
Ultrasonography Versus Palpation for Spinal Anesthesia in Obese Parturients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery
The study will compare between preprocedural ultrasonography and the conventional palpation
 technique for spinal anesthesia in obese parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery
This randomized, controlled, double-blind study will be conducted on ASA physical status
 II-III obese parturients with full-term singleton pregnancy undergoing elective cesarean
 delivery under spinal anesthesia. The study subjects will be assigned to 2 equal groups. In
 the ultrasonography group, lumbar spinal ultrasonography will be performed before
 administration of spinal anesthesia. In the palpation group, conventional palpation of the
 anatomical landmarks will be performed.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status II-III parturients

 -  Full term singleton pregnancy

 -  Body mass index ≥ 35 Kg/m2

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Age < 19 years

 -  Women presenting in labor

 -  Contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia (Coagulopathy, increased intracranial
 pressure, or local skin infection)

 -  Significant spinal deformities or previous spinal surgery

 -  Preeclampsia