Do Compression Stockings Used During Cesarean Sections Affect Intraoperative Hypotension and Nausea? A Single-Blinded...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Anesthesiology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Intraoperative hypotension is a common complication during cesarean sections.
• Pharmacological interventions are often used to manage hypotension, but may have side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of compression stockings in preventing intraoperative hypotension during cesarean delivery.
• To assess the impact of compression stockings on the incidence of nausea, vomiting, and the use of vasopressor agents.

Main Methods:

• Randomized-controlled, single-blind study involving 72 women undergoing cesarean section.
• Intervention group received compression stockings; control group did not.
• Standardized spinal anesthesia and fluid management protocols were applied to all participants.

Main Results:

• Patients using compression stockings experienced higher mean systolic (8.5%), diastolic (15.6%), and mean arterial (11.5%) blood pressures.
• Incidence of nausea (36%), vomiting (93%), antiemetic use (38%), and vasopressor agent use (53%) were significantly reduced in the intervention group.

Conclusions:

• Compression stockings are a feasible, simple, and accessible method to mitigate intraoperative hypotension in cesarean surgeries.
• This non-pharmacological approach reduces the need for medications, enhancing patient safety and potentially lowering healthcare costs.