South African Medical Journal
Journal / South African Medical Journal / Vol. 48 No. 8 (1974) / Articles

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Published:

Nov 29, 2019

Issue

Vol. 48 No. 8 (1974)

Section

Articles

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Author Biographies

J.W. Downing

Department of Anaesthetics, University of Natal Medical School, Durban

A.J. Coleman

Department of Anaesthetics, University of Natal Medical School, Durban

M.C. Mahomedy

Department of Anaesthetics, University of Natal Medical School, Durban

D.E. Jeal

Department of Anaesthetics, University of Natal Medical School, Durban

Y.H. Mahomedy

Department of Anaesthetics, University of Natal Medical School, Durban

J.W. Downing

A.J. Coleman

M.C. Mahomedy

D.E. Jeal

Y.H. Mahomedy

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).

Journal Identifiers

eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574