Comparison of Postoperative Pulmonary Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Section under General and Spinal Anesthesia: A Single-Center Audit

Introduction: Regional anesthesia (RA), i.e., spinal or epidural anesthesia when performed for lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) provides excellent surgical conditions, avoiding manipulation of the maternal airway, maternal satisfaction, and good postoperative analgesia. However, in situations like fetal distress (fetal heart rate abnormalities), obstetric indications (abruption of placenta, antenatal placental bleeding, cord prolapse), maternal refusal for RA, contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia (anticoagulation, coagulopathy), and at times failed RA general anesthesia (GA) is administered. Several studies have demonstrated greater mortality and morbidity when LSCS is done under GA when compared to neuraxial block. Methods: After necessary approval, we retrospectively reviewed data over a period of 1 year (January 1, 2020–December 31, 2020) of LSCS under GA versus RA. The aim was to compare immediate postoperative complications, postoperative pulmonary complications up to 4 weeks from the time of elective and emergency LSCS under either RA or GA. Results: Of the 753 patients who underwent LSCS in one calendar year, there were 272 (36.12%) elective and 481 (63.87%) emergency LSCS. The number of elective LSCS under neuraxial block was 219 (29.09%) and under GA were 53 (7.03%). Emergency LSCS done under neuraxial block were 268 (35.59%) and under GA were 213 (28.28%). There were no adverse pulmonary complications at the end of 4 weeks in either group. Conclusion: RA provides maternal satisfaction and excellent perioperative analgesia in LSCS. Safe GA can be achieved with proper airway planning, if case is attended by at least two anesthesiologist with adequate preoperative fasting, and postoperative monitoring.