A Reevaluation of the Role of Crystalloid Preload in the Prevention of Hypotension Associated with Spinal Anesthesia for Elective Cesarean Section

Abstract

The study confirms that hypotension associated with spinal anesthesia for cesarean section cannot be eliminated by volume preloading in the supine wedged patient. The relatively small reduction in incidence of hypotension challenges our perception of the value of crystalloid preload. Though volume preload in the elective cesarean section is advocated, the requirement for a mandatory administration of a fixed volume before spinal anesthesia for urgent cases has been abandoned.