General Anesthesia During Obstetrics

Pregnant women who are scheduled to undergo surgery should be treated under general anesthesia. Their anesthesiologists should be familiar with pregnancy and the changes that occur during a pregnancy. The first trimester should be avoided, and specific modifications may be necessary as gestational age increases. A collaborative multidisciplinary approach is the best approach to manage pregnant patients under general anesthesia. Read on to learn more about GA during obstetrics.

Current guidelines for obstetrics emphasize team communication. Women entering pregnancy typically have significant physical and mental health problems, complex mental health issues, and social challenges. In addition, the physiological and social burdens of pregnancy and delivery are enormous for both mother and fetus. As a result, the obstetric anesthesia team has been formed as a communication bridge between physicians and obstetricians.

In the US, the use of general anesthesia has decreased

The choice of an anaesthesia for a cesarean delivery depends on the complication being treated. A major fetal surgery requires a general anesthetic. The procedure can involve large amounts of blood and requires invasive monitoring and blood volume replacement. In some cases, blood components, such as platelets or fresh frozen plasma, may be required for the delivery. The maternal and fetal conditions must be carefully evaluated to determine which anesthetic to use. A general anaesthetic is indicated in a fetal condition if the surgery is likely to cause uncontrolled bleeding.

Overall, general anesthesia rates for cesarean deliveries have decreased over the last several decades. In a recent study by Jenkins et al., the rates of cesarean delivery for elective and emergency cesarean sections were similar. In the United States, general anesthesia was used for 96.9% of total cesarean sections. However, in many regions, these numbers are even lower. The authors noted that general anesthesia is still preferred for many reasons.

There are pros and cons of general anesthesia during obstetric surgery. Both regional anesthesia and general anesthesia have their place. Regional anesthesia is more likely to result in better postoperative patient satisfaction, but neither has been proven superior. However, both methods are regarded as safe for obstetric procedures. The decision is ultimately up to the mother. This is one way to ensure the safety of the procedure.

Training in general anaesthesia in obstetrics has declined over the past four decades. A retrospective audit of one UK institution found that the rate of general anaesthesia for cesarean deliveries decreased from 76% in 1982 to 7.7% in 1998 and further decreased to 4.9% by 2006, suggesting that rates of general anaesthesia in obstetrics have dropped dramatically. This trend indicates a growing lack of confidence among trainees and residents in general anaesthesia and associated risks for pregnant women.