Effect of metoclopramide on gastric emptying before elective and emergency caesarean section

The effect on gastric emptying of metoclopramide i.v. was studied in three groups of parturient women (n = 120). The groups included those undergoing elective Caesarean section, those who had been in established labour, and those who had received narcotics while in established labour, with their respective controls. Significant delay in gastric emptying occurred when labour was established. This delay was further prolonged by the administration of a narcotic. Metoclopramide i.v. produced a significant improvement in gastric emptying in all groups.