Are Nigerian Parturients afraid of Information Regarding the Complications of Spinal anaesthesia?

Abstract

Background: Sufficient information regarding various aspects of an anaesthetic technique including possible complications is necessary in order for a patient to make decisions with regards to the choice of anaesthesia and to give fully informed consent. This study evaluated if parturients were informed of possible complications of subarachnoid block preoperatively and the extent of information desired with regards to the complications. They were also asked to assess the information provided by the anaesthetists regarding the complications and if detailed information regarding the complications would have affected their acceptance of subarachnoid anaesthesia.
Patients and Methods: One hundred and fifty parturients who had subarachnoid anaesthesia were studied. Postoperatively, patients were asked to fill a questionnaire form concerning the complications associated with SAB. They were asked to indicate if the anaesthetist informed them of the possibility of complications, the complications they were aware of and the extent of information desired regarding the complications. They also indicated if detailed information regarding the possible complications would have affected their choice of anaesthesia.
Results: Ninety seven patients (64.7%) stated that they were informed of the possibility of complications from SAB prior to the technique. Three of these informed patients assessed the information as detailed while 80 assessed it as adequate. With regards to the details of information desired before a subarachnoid block, 64% wanted to know all the possible complications. Thirty four of the patients (53.9%) who had complications were aware in advance that they could have those complications. No patient stated that awareness in advance with regards to complications would have altered their choice of anaesthesia.
Conclusion: Our results indicate almost all our patients would like to be aware of the possible complications of subarachnoid anaesthesia. Only a few felt the information provided was detailed. The questionnaire form may be a useful tool for patient education, possibly during antenatal care.

Keywords: Anaesthetic complications, informed consent, subarachnoid block, regional technique