NEONATAL OUTCOME

A Comparison Between Epidural And General Anesthesia for Cesarean Sections

Abstract

The choice of anesthetic technique for cesarean sections, a common
problem faced by anesthetists remains controversial. Objective: To compare the effects of epidural anesthesia with
general anesthesia. To evaluate which mode is better especially keeping in mind the Apgar score of the newborn. Which
was taken as the index of immediate neonatal outcome. Design: A prospective cohort study. Setting: Combined
Military Hospital Peshawar. Period: Six months. Material & Methods: A total of hundred patients aged between 26-35
years were selected who were under going elective cesarean section. Results: The gestational ages of the newborn
were between 36 and 40 wks. The patients were divided into two groups of fifty each receiving the two modes of
anesthesia. A random sampling of the patients was done. Apgar scores of the newborn babies were taken at 01 and
05 minute intervals. Computer based SPSS 8.0 was used to analyze the results and it was found that none of the babies
was severely depressed, (Apgar score less than 4 at 01-minute interval in both the groups). 2% of the cases were
moderately depressed, (Apgar score 4-6 at 01-minute interval in the epidural group as compared to 10% of the cases
born under general anesthesia). In the epidural group 4% of the cases had 01 minute Apgar score of less than 8
compared to 36% in the general anesthesia group. As regards the 05 minute Apgar score 6% of the patients had Apgar
score less than 10 in the epidural group compared to 11% in the general anesthesia group. This showed that epidural
anesthesia has an advantage over general anesthesia especially as regards 01 minute Apgar score as well as being
safe for the mother. So this mode of anesthesia should be preferred.