Abstract

Dr. Nitasha Ishfaq, Dr. Tayyeba Afzal* and Dr. Saleh Ahmed

ABSTRACT

Objective: To identify common complaints associated with caesarean section under spinal anesthesia and manage them, in order to decrease the anxiety and distress level of the patients. Methods: Cross sectional observational study was conducted at Department of Anesthesia, Jinnah Hospital Lahore from April 2017 to September 2017. Hundred patients aged from 20-36 years underwent elective caesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Patients received nothing per oral for 6 hours. Metoclopramide and Ranitidine IV were given half hour before surgery. Colloid 10ml/kg was given IV before induction of spinal anesthesia. All patients were placed in sit-ting position and under aseptic conditions lumbar puncture was done at L3L4 or L4-L5 interspaces with25-gauge pencil point needle to administer local anesthetic over 20 seconds slowly. Oxygen 4liters/minute was administered via a Hudson mask. All the patients were asked for any complaint during caesarean section under spinal anesthesia. More than five common complaints were considered and similar complaints which are less than five were not included in the study. Results: Out of 100 patients, 67% patients had no complaints and 33% patients presented common complaints. Visceral pain or abdominal discomfort was 19%, shivering 11%, nausea and vomiting10%, epigastria pain 6%, backache 5% and headache 5%. Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia is an excellent technique for caesarean section in majority of patients. Patients have various complaints during spinal anesthesia which may increase anxiety and distress levels in patients.