ACID ASPIRATION PROPHYLAXIS DURING ANAESTHESIA FOR CAESAREAN SECTION: A SURVEY AMONG ANAESTHETISTS AT HYDERABAD

Authors

  • Jan Muhammad Shaikh
  • Saleem Sabbar
  • Nasir Aziz
  • Najma Bano Shaikh
  • Tauseefullah Akhund

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents leading to acid aspiration syndrome (AAS)is a well recognized risk factor during general anaesthesia (GA) for Caesarean section (CS). Thecross sectional observational study was conducted during July 2008 to October 2008 atDepartment of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Liaquat University of Medical & HealthSciences Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan. The objective was to assess anaesthetic practice patterns andmeasures to prevent aspiration of acid gastric contents in full term pregnant women undergoinganaesthesia for Caesarean section. Methods: A structured questionnaire regarding practice ofanaesthesia for Caesarean section was distributed among anaesthetists working and practicing atHyderabad. Results from the completed questionnaires were transferred to a Microsoft Excelspreadsheet and the responses represented as percentages. Results: General anaesthesia waspreferred by 75.4% anaesthetists for caesarean section, 83.6% anaesthetists used rapid sequenceinduction with cricoid pressure during general anaesthesia, 29.5% respondents restricted clearfluids for 2–3 hours. Antacids were used by 90% of the anaesthetists, while about 50%anaesthetists performed extubation when patients were fully awake. Conclusion: Recommendedpractice patterns and measures to prevent aspiration of acid gastric contents during anaesthesia forcaesarean section are not observed by most of the anaesthetists working at Hyderabad.Keywords: Caesarean Section, Anaesthesia, Acid Aspiration Prophylaxis

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Published

2009-12-01

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 4 (2009): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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