Aortocaval compression secondary to an ovarian cyst.

Ranitidine 150 mg was given orally as routine antacid treatment. Vascular preloading was with 1.0 litres of Hartmann's solution, and throughout this process the patient received 4007 oxygen in air via a face mask. The epidural space was cannulated at L2 -3 and correct placement of the catheter was confirmed with 3 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine plain. A further 10 ml was injected with the patient sitting upright, followed 10 minutes later by 9 ml with her supine and tilted 15 degrees to the left.