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General anaesthesia for caesarean section


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).

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574