Manual Leftward Displacement of the Uterus in the Prevention of Maternal Hypotension During Cesarean Section: A Randomized Comparative Study

Background: It is essential to maintain the hemodynamic state of mothers during delivery in cesarean section (CS). Research has shown that hypotension can be controlled by applying a 15° left lateral tilt. This can be achieved using an obstetric wedge or by tilting the operating table leftward. A systematic review of further research shows insufficient evidence to suggest whether it is effective or practical. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of manual left tilting of the uterus on maintaining the hemodynamic status of mothers undergoing a CS delivery, where a spinal anesthetic has been given. Methods: Seventy women who were candidates for CS deliveries were randomly assigned into 2 groups as follows: group 1, the anaesthesiologist manually maneuvered the mother’s uterus to the left shortly after spinal anesthesia; group 2, the mothers’ uteruses were not displaced to the left. Sixty-seven of 70 participants completed the study. The hemodynamic status of the mother was reported before, during, and after surgery. The total doses of inotropic-vasopressors used to maintain hemodynamic stability were recorded. Results: The mother’s age, vital signs, and body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy and near term were not significantly different. Mothers maintained a significantly higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) when the uterus was displaced to the left (group 1). The mothers also required less ephedrine. Mothers in group 2 suffered a greater decrease in their SBP both after induction and before incision of the abdomen (group 2, P < 0.05). Conclusions: The manual tilting of the uterus to the left during CS is effective in maintaining blood pressure and decreases the need for vasopressors.