“Is general anesthesia safe for a C-section?”
I am a 30 year old female. I want to know if general anesthesia is safe for a C-section?
7 Answers
Yes
General anesthesia is only recomend in extremes emergencies or when regional is contraindicated. Regional is first and safer choice for cesares section
GA is a safe anesthesia for C section however most clinicians prefer spinal anesthesia for both the mother and the baby
Yes, it's one option. Typically, if an epidural is in place, some sedation and epidural will work. If general anesthesia is used, please make sure to meet with you anesthesiologist to review the plan and answer any questions. It is a well choreographed team approach to C -Section from anesthesia, OB-GYN surgeon, newborn nursing staff and if warranted pediatrician or neonatologist present at birth. The team approach reduces risk and improves outcomes.
A spinal is 25 times safer, but, both ways are safe. General is not what we prefer to do.
Although most of the time c-section anesthesia is regional ( meaning epidural or spinal), general anesthesia can be safely administered for this surgical procedure.
The use of general anesthesia is a viable strategy especially in patients in which either a relative or absolute contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia exists. Patient preference also plays a role.
The most prudent course of action is to discuss all of the options with your anesthesiologist prior to your procedure if at all possible as every anesthetic option has its inherent risks and benefits.
The use of general anesthesia is a viable strategy especially in patients in which either a relative or absolute contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia exists. Patient preference also plays a role.
The most prudent course of action is to discuss all of the options with your anesthesiologist prior to your procedure if at all possible as every anesthetic option has its inherent risks and benefits.
Yes, it can be safe. However, it has some disadvantages which spinal or epidural anesthesia do not. Mother must have her airway protected by a tube into her lungs; the fetus may be sleepy at birth; mother will not be able to see or hold her baby until she awakens; usually, fathers are not invited into to the OR when Mom is asleep.
