Complications of spinal anaesthesia in caesarean section

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of maternal complications during spinal anaesthesia. Design: A descriptive case study. Place & duration of study: The study was conducted at Gynae Unit I, Allama Iqbal Medical College/ Jinnah Hospital, Lahore from March 2009 till December 2009. Material & methods: The study comprised of 300 consecutive patients who underwent caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia alone. The patients requiring general anaesthesia in addition to spinal anaesthesia, and those with coagulopathy, severe anaemia and spinal deformities were excluded. Patients were followed at an interval of 12 and 72 hours to see any complication, which were documented. Results: Majority of the patients i.e. 60.67% (n=182) were between 25-30 years, 22.33% (n=67) were between 20-25 years. Regarding mode of admission 78.33% (n=235) booked while 21.67% (n=65) were un-booked cases. Parity distribution revealed 40.44% (n=121) patients multigravida and 59.67% (n=179) primigravida. Intraoperatively, 35.66% (n=107) suffered from with hypotension, 32% (n=96) were found affected with nausea/vomiting (intra operatively), 10%(n=30) were found with headache and among them 30%(n=9) were found within 12 hours while remaining 70%(n=21) were found in 72 hours. However, 22.33% (n=67) had no complications of spinal anaesthesia Conclusion: Spinal anaesthesia is a safe method of conducting anaesthesia during pregnancy with out any long term complications.