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Patient awareness about spinal anaesthesia in our rural obstetric population

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Original Article

Author Details : Umar Qadir Bacha*, Masood Rashid, Suhail Sidiq

Volume : 6, Issue : 2, Year : 2019

Article Page : 289-292

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijca.2019.053

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Abstract

Introduction: The choice of anaesthesia for Caesarean section depends on the urgency of the procedure, the condition of the mother and fetus, and the mother's wishes. Although epidural, spinal, continuous spinal, and CSE techniques have all been advocated, most straightforward Caesarean sections are now performed with single-shot spinal anaesthesia, which has been found to be faster, provides a superior block, and is more cost effective. In the Indian sub-continent, we come across obstetric population who frequently refuse regional anaesthesia. In our institution, spinal anaesthesia is not generally accepted by the obstetric population. This survey was designed to assess knowledge and attitudes of women coming to our hospital towards spinal anaesthesia technique for caesarean section.
Materials and Methods: A total of 400 pregnant patients posted for Caesarean section were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Apart from the questions addressing the demographics, the questions were directed to know about patients knowledge of various anesthetic techniques available for this particular surgery as well as her choice of anaesthesia modality.
Results: A total of 358 out of 400 women interviewed (89.5%) were aware about the existence of different modalities of anaesthesia for Caesarean section. The remaining 42 women (11.5%) were found to be totally unaware of the various options of anaesthesia technique. A great majority of the patients (70%) chose general anaesthesia over spinal anaesthesia. They had various fears and misconceptions, the fear of having a chronic backache being the most (72.94%). Only 71 patients (17.75%) opted for spinal anaesthesia as they had prior knowledge about its benefits.
Conclusion: Our study showed that the majority of our obstetric population though aware of the anaesthetic techniques available for Caesarean section, but most of them lack knowledge about spinal anaesthesia and its benefits. A collaborative approach between the anaesthesiologists and obstetricians to disseminate the proper knowledge regarding spinal anaesthesia is needed.

Keywords: Awareness, Obstetrics, Spinal anaesthesia.

How to cite : Bacha U Q, Rashid M , Sidiq S, Patient awareness about spinal anaesthesia in our rural obstetric population. Indian J Clin Anaesth 2019;6(2):289-292

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