Comparison of Post-Cesarean Pain Perception of General Versus Regional Anesthesia, a Single-Center Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Pain during and after the procedure remains the leading concern among women undergoing cesarean section. Numerous studies have concluded that the type of anesthesia used during a cesarean section undoubtedly affects the intensity and experience of pain after the operation. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center “Dragisa Misovic—Dedinje”, Belgrade, Serbia. Patients at term pregnancy (37–42 weeks of gestation) with an ASA I score who delivered under general (GEA) or regional anesthesia (RA) by cesarean section were included in the study. Following the procedure, we assessed pain using the Serbian McGill questionnaire (SF–MPQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the pain attributes questionnaire at pre-established time intervals of 2, 12, and 24 h after the procedure. Additionally, time to patient’s functional recovery was noted. We also recorded the time to the first independent mobilization, first oral intake, and lactation establishment. Results: GEA was performed for 284 deliveries while RA was performed for 249. GEA had significantly higher postoperative sensory and affective pain levels within intervals of 2, 12, and 24 h after cesarean section. GEA had significantly higher postoperative VAS pain levels. On pain attribute scale intensity, GEA had significantly higher postoperative pain levels within all intervals. Patients who received RA had a shorter time to first oral food intake, first independent mobilization, and faster lactation onset in contrast to GEA. Conclusions: The application of RA presented superior postoperative pain relief, resulting in earlier mobilization, shorter time to first oral food intake, and faster lactation onset in contrast to GEA.

Evaluation of Analgesic Effect of Bupivacaine Injection into Both Angles of the Rectus Sheath Incision after an Elective Caesarean Section

“…There was no significant difference between the two groups as regard hemoglobin, white blood cells, platelets, creatinine, and urea, Table (2). There was no significant difference between the two groups as regard surgery time.…”

“…Caesarean delivery rates are rising, and postoperative pain, which can be severe and last for 48 to 72 hours, is a major concern for women (1,2) . This pain can lead to delayed ambulation, prolonged hospitalization, atelectasis, vascular thrombosis, and patient dissatisfaction, with inadequate pain relief and satisfaction in many cases (3) .…”

Anestesia Obstétrica: Innovaciones Y Desafíos en La Cesáreas

“…El control hemodinámico durante la cesárea debe ser similar al utilizado para otros procedimientos quirúrgicos (15). Antes del parto, se debe administrar oxígeno de forma rutinaria para optimizar la oxigenación fetal (16).…”