General Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section

Abstract

Fifty mothers presenting for elective Caesarean section were anaesthetised using a technique previously recommended for obstetric anaesthesia. Clinically, most infants were in good condition after birth. Blood gas studies done on the mothers before induction and at delivery showed a mild respiratory alkalosis with a compensatory metabolic acidosis. Mean umbilical arterial blood gas/acid-base status revealed a mild acidaemia, both respiratory and metabolic in origin, which was well within accepted normal limits. Fetal oxygenation also appeared satisfactory (mean umbilical vein p0₂ 33,9 torr and umbilical artery p0₂ 18,9 torr). Two mothers (4%) were conscious during surgery, but felt no pain. Vomiting after anaesthesia occurred in 16% of cases. Evidence of postoperative chest infection was found in 5 mothers (10%). Thus, the anaesthetic technique advocated does not appear to adversely influence the mother or her infant.

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1735 (1974)