Correlation of preprocedural ultrasound estimated epidural depths in transverse median and posterior sagittal oblique view and body mass index with procedural epidural depths in patients scheduled for surgery under lumbar epidural anaesthesia.

Background And Aims: Preprocedural lumbar ultrasound (US) is employed for the estimation of epidural depth (ED). This study observed the correlation of preprocedural ED in transverse median (TM), parasagittal oblique (PSO) view, and body mass index (BMI) with procedural ED.

Methods: In a prospective study, 100 female patients, aged 40-65 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II, BMI 18.

Ultrasound-assisted subarachnoid block in obese parturient: Need of the hour.

Subarachnoid block is commonly used for caesarean deliveries, by virtue of its simplicity in terms of performance and safety for the parturients when compared with general anesthesia. The landmark technique involves palpating the interspinous space at the level of Tuffier's line to ensure the interspace level and direct the spinal needle through optimally selected puncture site for performing the subarachnoid block. However, spinal block is sometimes not easy to perform in obese parturients primarily because of poorly palpable surface landmarks and challenges related to positioning for the block.