The effect of Trendelenburg position, lactated Ringer's solution and 6% hydroxyethyl starch solution on cardiac output after spinal anesthesia.

Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of Trendelenburg position, infusion of 6% hydroxyetyl starch solution or lactated Ringer's solution on changes in cardiac output (CO) after spinal anesthesia in patients older than 50 yr.

Methods: Seventy patients scheduled for lower extremity orthopedic surgery under spinal anesthesia were allocated randomly to one of the three treatment groups. In the Trendelenburg group, the patients were placed in the Trendelenburg position immediately after the spinal block for 10 min.