Document Classification

Section Type: METHODS

Text: After identification of the epidural space with pulsations of an air-fluid column, parturients for vaginal delivery (n = 380) were randomized to receive a test dose of 3 ml 3 % 2-chloroprocaine with epinephrine 20 micrograms, two doses of 7 ml bupivacaine 0. 03 % with sufentanil 1 microgram/ml and epinephrine 2 micrograms/ml by either gravity flow (Group 1) given over 30 seconds or by bolus injection (Group 2) given over 5 seconds through the epidural needle ; parturients for Cesarean delivery (n = 220) were randomized to receive a test dose and two doses of 6 ml lidocaine 2 % with sufentanil 1 microgram/ml and epinephrine 2 micrograms/ml by either gravity flow or by bolus injection through the epidural needle.