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Effect of flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) on awareness during anaesthesia for caesarean section
O A Soyannwo1, E O Elegbe, C O Odugbesan
1Department of Anaesthesia, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Adding flunitrazepam to pethidine anesthesia during Caesarean sections significantly reduced patient awareness. This combination also improved sedation and amnesia, enhancing the overall anesthetic experience for mothers.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Obstetric Anesthesia
Background:
- General anesthesia with nitrous oxide and oxygen, muscle relaxants, and pethidine is used for Caesarean sections.
- Patient awareness during anesthesia is a significant concern, particularly in obstetric procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of awareness in patients undergoing Caesarean section under general anesthesia.
- To evaluate the effect of adding flunitrazepam to pethidine as an anesthetic adjuvant.
Main Methods:
- Three groups of patients undergoing elective or emergency Caesarean sections were studied.
- Groups received either pethidine alone or pethidine plus flunitrazepam (0.03 mg/kg) as adjuvants to nitrous oxide: oxygen, muscle relaxant general anesthesia.
Main Results:
- The group receiving flunitrazepam exhibited a low incidence of awareness (4%).
- This group also demonstrated improved cardiovascular stability, postoperative sedation, and anterograde amnesia.
Conclusions:
- Flunitrazepam, when used with pethidine, effectively reduces awareness during Caesarean section anesthesia.
- The drug likely enhances anesthetic depth and provides amnesic effects, improving patient outcomes.