Annals of Anesthesiology and Critical Care

Abstract

Background: Currently, spinal anesthesia is an acceptable method for cesarean section (CS) throughout the world, since general anesthesia is associated with higher maternal morbidity and mortality rates. The current study was performed to survey different factors for maternal satisfaction of spinal anesthesia.

Methods: This cross sectional study was performed onwomenwhowere candidates for elective CS at Dr. Shariati hospital. Informed consents were obtained from all the patients, and the risks and side effects of both spinal and general anesthesia were explained preoperatively. The mothers were free to choose the anesthetic technique. One day after the operation, all mothers were examined with respect to the variables.

Results: A total of 84 women with the mean age of 30.7 _ 5.63 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 31.2 _ 4.15 kg/m2 were anesthetized through the spinal method. Overall, 28.6% of the subjects were distressed about perioperative awareness, while 40.5%, 29.8%, and 46.4% reported postoperative pain at the injection site, headache, and lumbar pain, respectively. Maternal satisfaction of the spinal method and willingness to choose this method again in future surgeries were 83.8% and 78.5%, respectively.

Conclusions: Women undergoing CS are highly satisfied with spinal anesthesia, and the majority are likely to choose this method in the future. Factors decreasing satisfaction include inadequate preoperative explanations about the anesthesia method by the anesthesiologist, postoperative pain at the injection site, headache, and lumbar pain.