Addition of adrenaline to chloroprocaine provides a moderate duration time for epidural anaesthesia in elective caesarean section.

OBJECTIVE

Epidural anaesthesia using chloroprocaine with or without adrenaline and lidocaine with adrenaline were compared.

METHODS

Sixty parturients undergoing elective caesarean section under epidural anaesthesia were randomized to receive 3% chloroprocaine (group C), 3% chloroprocaine with adrenaline (group CA) or 2% lidocaine with adrenaline (group LA). Onset time, duration time and various maternal, fetal and neonatal parameters were monitored. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

The onset time of analgesia in group CA was similar to that in group C but was shorter than that in group LA. Duration of analgesia, loss of cold sensation and motor blockade in group CA were prolonged compared with group C, but were shorter than those in group LA. No differences in maternal, fetal or neonatal effects were seen. A higher pain score was reported in group C than in groups CA or LA at the end of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Epidural anaesthesia using chloroprocaine with adrenaline has a quick onset and moderate duration and is an attractive alternative to lidocaine and adrenaline or chloroprocaine alone for caesarean section.