Related Experiment Videos
An argument for orogastric tubes during caesarean section
A Rhodes1, K R Hughes, D G Cohen
1Department of Anaesthesia, Mayday University Hospital, Surrey, UK.
International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Routine stomach aspiration during general anaesthesia for caesarean sections is recommended. Most units don't follow this, but our study shows emergency patients remain at risk for aspiration pneumonia, supporting routine aspiration.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Anesthesiology
- Public Health
Background:
- A recent maternal deaths report recommends routine orogastric aspiration for caesarean sections under general anaesthesia.
- A postal survey indicated that most obstetric units do not adhere to this guideline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess adherence to routine orogastric aspiration guidelines in obstetric units.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of routine stomach content aspiration in reducing aspiration pneumonia risk during caesarean sections under general anaesthesia.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a postal survey of obstetric units regarding their practices.
- Implemented and analyzed routine stomach content aspiration (volume and pH) in patients undergoing general anaesthesia for caesarean section.
Main Results:
- The majority of obstetric units surveyed do not follow the recommended guideline for routine orogastric aspiration.
- A significant proportion of emergency caesarean section patients, even with antacid prophylaxis, remain at risk for aspiration pneumonia.
Conclusions:
- Routine orogastric aspiration during general anaesthesia for emergency caesarean sections is a necessary measure.
- The findings support the recommendation for routine stomach aspiration to mitigate risks associated with aspiration pneumonia in this patient group.