Combined Intrathecal Morphine and Bupivacaine for Cesarean Section

Thirty-four patients scheduled for elective repeat cesarean section at term under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided into 2 groups. All patients received hyperbaric 0.75% bupivacaine with the addition of either 0.2 ml of saline or 0.2 mg of preservative-free morphine. Routine management of the parturient with spinal anesthesia was carried out in all patients. Among the variables monitored were respiratory rate, noninvasive oxygen saturation, hemodynamic changes, state of consciousness, extent and adequacy of intra-operative analgesia, duration of postoperative analgesia, postoperative narcotic requirements, and neonatal condition at birth.