Comparison of Complication in High-Risk Obstetric Patients General and Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract

High-risk obstetric patients undergoing cesarean births or other surgical operations require careful anesthetic treatment to minimize complications. General anesthesia (GA) and spinal anesthesia (SA) are two common anesthetic techniques used in obstetrics. However, the anesthetic technique employed can have a significant impact on the outcomes for the mother and the fetus. Examining the hazards of GA and SA issues in high-risk obstetric patients undergoing cesarean births was the primary objective of this study. Analyzing how the anesthetic technique affected maternal hemodynamics, fetal outcomes, and postoperative recovery was secondary.  This prospective observational study comprised two hundred high-risk obstetric patients receiving cesarean birth under GA or SA. Patients were matched based on clinical and demographic characteristics. The anesthetic approach was chosen based on the patient's and the anesthesiologist's choices. Complications that were observed and compared between groups included postoperative nausea and vomiting, fetal discomfort, and maternal hypotension. Maternal hypotension was much more common in the SA group (35% vs. 15%, p < 0.01). However, the GA group had fetal discomfort more frequently (20% vs. 10%, p < 0.05). Postoperative nausea and vomiting were more common in the GA group (40% vs. 20%, p < 0.01). There were no appreciable differences in postoperative recovery or maternal hemodynamics between the group. This study suggests that both GA and SA may have a distinct set of effects on high-risk obstetric patients. While SA is associated with a higher frequency of maternal hypotension, GA is associated with a higher incidence of fetal discomfort as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting. These findings highlight the importance of careful anesthetic administration and individualized patient care for high-risk obstetric patients.