Evaluating patients’ choice of general and spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean section and associated factors: a descriptive study

Abstract

Objective: During an elective cesarean section, the choice of method of anesthesia is critical for maternal and fetal outcomes. However, the anesthesiologist’s decision is dependent on the patient’s desire. This study aimed to determine the choice of general and spinal anesthesia among women undergoing elective cesarean sections and the factors affecting their choice. Methods: In this descriptive study, pregnant women who had the ability to undergo both spinal and general anesthesia were referred to public and private hospitals in (Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences). A questionnaire recorded the patient’s demographic data, education and occupation, history of anesthesia, choice of anesthetic method, and reason for selection. Results: A total of 384 women were included in the study, of whom 60% selected general anesthesia and 40% selected spinal anesthesia. Among the reasons for not choosing spinal anesthesia, most common were fear of injury to the spinal cord (64.3%) and fear of seeing and hearing during the surgery (53.3%), and among the reasons for not choosing general anesthesia, most common were fear of not waking (54.3%) and a desire to be alert at the time of infant birth (40.7%). Most of the women with a history of spinal anesthesia selected spinal anesthesia (53%), and 62% of those without a history of spinal anesthesia selected general anesthesia. Factors such as age, nonmedical staff advice, and being employed were significantly correlated with the choice of anesthesia (P<0.005). Conclusion: The rate of general anesthesia selection was higher than spinal anesthesia. More attention and efforts are required to educate patients regarding the method of anesthesia prior to the surgery.

Effects on ondansetron of post-dural puncture headache after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia

“…Pruritus and postoperative shivering is also common with the use of spinal anesthesia 6 . Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is defined as a headache that is presented within 5 days following lumbar puncture and exacerbates in sitting and standing positions 7 – 9 . It is also accompanied by photo-sensitivity, and blurred vision that can be unresponsive to analgesics 10 , 11 .…”

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“…This method allows the patient to remain conscious throughout the surgery, yet free from pain [12,13]. Various factors, such as clinical indications, patient preference, and the proficiency of anesthesiologist, often influence the decisionmaking process when selecting between general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia for a cesarean section [14,15]. While both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, their differential impacts on the quality of life post-surgery are still a subject of ongoing research.…”

The Prevalence of Acceptance Between General Anesthesia and Spinal Anesthesia Among Pregnant Women Undergoing Elective Caesarean Sections in Saudi Arabia

“…Studies show that pregnant women who choose to undergo elective cesarean sections prefer general anesthesia to spinal anesthesia for a number of concerns including watching the surgical procedures on their bodies, the risk of back pain after surgery, and spine damage concerns [ 2 , 3 ]. However, the most prevalent concerns among the women who choose spinal anesthesia over general anesthesia are a desire to be awake throughout childbirth to see the baby and a fear of prolonged unconsciousness should they choose general anesthesia [ 2 ].…”