Anesthesia for Urgent Cesarean Section

Clin Perinatol. 2019 Dec;46(4):785-799. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2019.08.010. Epub 2019 Aug 14.

Abstract

Cesarean section (CS) is a common surgical procedure worldwide. The anesthesiologist is responsible, together with obstetrician and neonatologist, for safe perioperative management. A continuum of risk exists for urgent CS. The decision-to-delivery interval is an important audit tool, to ensure international standards are upheld and good outcomes for mother and neonate are achieved. Urgent CS may be performed under either GA or RA, with benefits and risks attributable to each. Specific clinical scenarios require an individualized approach to anesthesia, including hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, cardiac disease, the difficult airway and fetal compromise. Ongoing training is integral to the provision of safe anesthesia.

Keywords: Anesthesia; Cesarean; Emergency; Fetal compromise; Urgent.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Airway Management
  • Anesthesia, Epidural / methods*
  • Anesthesia, General / methods*
  • Anesthesia, Spinal / adverse effects
  • Anesthesia, Spinal / methods*
  • Cesarean Section / methods*
  • Emergencies*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypotension / drug therapy*
  • Hypotension / etiology
  • Intubation, Intratracheal
  • Laryngeal Masks
  • Pain, Postoperative / drug therapy
  • Pre-Eclampsia
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular
  • Premature Birth
  • Vasoconstrictor Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Vasoconstrictor Agents