Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section.

Part 1
Introduction and Overview

James Brown
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
United Kingdom

A series of three tutorials exploring the management of caesarean section.

Part 1: Introduction and Overview
Part 2: Caesarean Section under Regional Anaesthesia
Part 3: Caesarean Section under General Anaesthesia

Extracts of these tutorials have contributed to:

Brown JPR. Recent Developments in Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section in the
UK. Update in Anaesthesia. 2008; 23

Self Assessment
Q1
When considering indications and categorisation of caesarean sections:
a) Caesarean section caries an overall higher neonatal mortality compared
with normal delivery?
b) Recommended population caesarean section rates are less than 5%?
c) Breech presentations should routinely be booked for a Category 4
caesarean section?
d) A category 1 caesarean section should aim to be delivered within 45 mins
to prevent detrimental fetal outcome?
e) Category 1 caesarean sections should be delivered under general
anaesthetic where immediately available?

Q2
In relation to Oxytocic drugs:
a) Syntocinon is a synthetic analogue of the naturally occurring oxytocin
which is released from the anterior pituitary gland?
b) 10 units of syntocinon should be given as an i.v. bolus on delivery of the
baby at caesarean section?
c) If given for a prolonged period of time syntocinon can result in
convulsions?
d) The half life of syntocinon is 10 mins?
e) Ergometrine is commonly combined with syntocinon as an intravenous
preparation as a second line treatment of uterine atony?

Q3
You are called urgently to the labour room to assess a woman with fetal distress.
Your immediate actions may include:
 a) Assessing the severity of fetal distress?
b) Establishing intravenous access?
c) Ensure the mother is always placed in the left lateral position (using a
wedge)?
d) Methods to reduce uterine contraction strength and frequency?
e) Assessment and preparation of the patient for consideration of appropriate
anaesthetic technique?

Q4
Recommendations from the latest Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child
Health (CEMACH) to prevent maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity
include:
a) Pre-conception counselling?
b) Routine medical assessment prior to 20 weeks?
c) Women who have had previous caesarean section should be booked for a
category 4 section?
d) The report suggests medical, midwife and obstetric staff are good at early
recognition of critical illness in obstetric patients?
e) The report found overall maternal mortality of 1:1000 in the UK?

Key Points
Caesarean section is undertaken to improve maternal or fetal outcome.
There is an increasing rate of caesarean section. Currently 1 in 5 pregnant
women are delivered by caesarean in the UK.
Many factors influence the method of anaesthesia used. There is an
informed trend towards regional anaesthesia in the majority of cases.
Good communication between the multidisciplinary team is essential,
especially in the emergency situation where urgency is best
communicated by a universally understood categorisation system.

Introduction
Caesarean section is undertaken to improve maternal or fetal outcome, or to
reduce anticipated complications from spontaneous labour and vaginal delivery.

Over the last ten years the rising caesarean section rate in the developed world
has stimulated discussion of best anaesthetic and obstetric practice. Much of the
impetus for improving obstetric care in the UK has been driven by the findings of
the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH), formerly the
Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Death (CEMD). Over a three year period,
CEMACH reports the deaths of UK women while pregnant or within 42 days of
the end of pregnancy. An extensive audit of the management of caesarean
sections in the UK was reported in 2001.These findings contributed to the
development of guidelines by the National Institute for Health and Clinical
Excellence (NICE), a UK agency responsible for advising on best clinical
practice. NICE published guidance on caesarean section in 2004 and made
recommendations that form a standard of care on obstetric and anaesthetic
aspects of management.

WHO recommends an optimum caesarean section rate of 5-15% to ensure best

outcome for mother and neonate. Rates in Sub-Saharan Africa are a lot lower
than this, possibly as low as 1%. This is a reflection of availability of resources
and distance from medical facilities and trained staff. This low rate contributes to
a high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Maternal mortality has
been estimated to be over 1% in West Africa and severe maternal morbidity as
high as 9%.These mortality and morbidity rates are over 30 times those of the
developed world.

It has been suggested that as a minimum, a health service should aim to provide
caesarean section for maternal indications, if not neonatal. The main maternal
indications being obstructed labour, placental abruption, previous caesarean
section, eclampsia, placenta praevia and malpresentation. In areas where HIV is
prevalent, caesarean section may be increasingly indicated to reduce risk of
transmission from mother to child.

Caesarean section itself is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality

and improvements in surgical and anaesthetic management can reduce this. In a
prospective study conducted in Latin America which investigated more than
105,000 deliveries, mothers delivered by caesarean section were over 2 times
more likely to suffer from severe maternal morbidity compared with vaginal
delivery. Neonatal mortality was also increased by over 1.7 times. Caesarean
section was found to be protective in breech presentation.

Indications for Caesarean Section

Previous Caesarean Section*
Malpositions* (Breech)
Fetal Distress*
Dystocia (Failure to progress during labour) *
Maternal Disease
o Worsening pre-existing disease (e.g. cardiac)
o Associated with pregnancy (e.g. pre-eclampsia)
Placenta Praevia or abruption
Multiple Pregnancy
Cord Prolapse
Maternal Choice
* indicates 4 commonest reasons (constituting over 70% of Caesarean Sections)

Categories of Caesarean Section

The traditional categorisation of caesarean section into elective or emergency
has limitations for both optimal communication in the clinical setting and for post-
delivery audit. A four tier classification has been proposed and broadly accepted.
Grade Definition
Category 1 Immediate threat to life of woman or fetus
(e.g. Placental Abruption, Uterine Rupture, Active Bleeding, Severe
Fetal Compromise)
Category 2 Maternal or fetal compromise, not immediately life threatening
Category 3 Needing early delivery but no maternal or fetal compromise
Category 4 At a time to suit the woman and maternity team

The suggested standard for a category 1 caesarean section is delivery within 30

minutes of the time of decision. It is debatable whether there is evidence linking
this time period with neonatal outcome and for some category 1 caesarean
sections, delivery may need to be well within the 30 minute threshold.

Communication between members of the multidisciplinary team is vital,

especially the required urgency which will influence anaesthetic technique. It
should be possible to identify and prepare a plan for at risk patients on the labour
ward who may become an emergency. This may make the difference between
the possibility of planned, timely regional anaesthesia and an emergency general
anaesthetic.

The Emergency Caesarean Section (Category 1)

The majority of category 1 caesarean sections (63%) performed in the UK are for
fetal compromise.

Fetal Distress
Fetal distress is severe fetal hypoxia resulting in fetal acidosis and potential long
term cerebral complications. In-utero fetal resuscitation may be required prior to
caesarean section and the following simple (SPOILT) steps should be
undertaken:

Syntocinon off
Position Left lateral (if persists try right lateral or knee-elbow position-
umbilical cord compression may be the cause rather than
aortocaval compression)
Oxygen
I.v. infusion: 1 litre crystalloid
Low Blood Pressure i.v. ephedrine
Tocolysis: terbutaline 250mcg s.c./i.v (selective -agonist)/ GTN 2 puffs
s.l.
(not if antepartum haemorrhage or abruption)

Intrapartum Fetal Monitoring

Fetal wellbeing is commonly assessed with cardiotocography (CTG). CTG

monitoring consists of an external transducer that continuously records fetal
heart rate and uterine contractions. It is commonly used in higher risk labours
although it has a relatively low specificity and sensitivity for identifying fetal
distress.

Methods of improving sensitivity such as combining CTG with fetal

electrocardiography (fetal ST segment analysis STAN) or increased use of fetal
blood sampling to detect fetal acidosis (pH<7.2) as supporting evidence for
diagnosis of fetal distress have been recommended.

CTG Monitoring

Reassuring signs are of variability of the fetal heart of 5-25 beats/min and
accelerations with fetal movement or uterine contractions.
Concerning indicators include reduced heart rate variability, fetal
tachycardia and late decelerations in fetal heart rate.

Decelerations are classified as:

o Early worst at peak of uterine contraction

o Variable follow contractions, but timing is erratic. Normally
reflection of umbilical artery obstruction (more common with
oligohydramnios).
o Late worst after the peak of uterine contraction. This is a
reflection of fetal hypoxia.

Fetal heart rate abnormalities may be seen in up to 20% after regional analgesia.
This may be due to subsequent supine positioning.

The Elective Caesarean Section (Category 4)

Normally planned for 39 weeks, balancing advantage of maximising gestational
age and risk of mother going in to spontaneous labour. Prior to 39 weeks there is
an increased risk of respiratory morbidity in the neonate.

The Surgical Approach

The recommended approach is the Joel Cohen incision. A straight transverse
incision 3cm above the pubis symphysis (usually L1 dermatome).
Advantages
Less postoperative pain
Shorter operating time
Better cosmetic effect (compared with midline)

In a classical caesarean section the uterine incision is vertical. This increases

surgical access but is associated with a higher risk of haemorrhage, infection,
and uterine rupture with subsequent pregnancies.
Externalisation of the uterus following delivery has been shown to increase
postoperative pain, increase nausea and vomiting and may induce a vagal
response. It is also a risk factor for air embolism. Intraperitoneal uterine repair is
therefore recommended.

Complications of Caesarean Section

Surgical
o Intraoperative
Mother
Haemorrhage
Damage to surrounding structures
Air / Amniotic Fluid Embolus
Fetus
Trauma
Delayed Delivery associated risk hypoxia
o Postoperative
Thromboembolic events
Infection
Retained products
Adhesions
Risk for subsequent caesarean sections
Low lying placenta and placental Accreta
Anaesthetic
o Specifically related to regional anaesthesia See tutorial 2
Pain during procedure
High block etc
o Specifically related to general anaesthesia See tutorial 3
Failed intubation
Awareness etc
o Anaphylaxis
o Exacerbation of pre-existing maternal disease
Valvular heart disease (e.g. Rheumatic Fever associated)
o Exacerbation of pregnancy related disease
Pregnancy related cardiomyopathy

Factors Influencing decision for method of anaesthesia for Caesarean

Section
As with all anaesthetic techniques there is a risk / benefit balance that must be
considered, taking into account all pertinent factors relating to mother and fetus.

Maternal preference
Presence of effective labour epidural
Maternal conditions precluding regional anaesthesia e.g. Pre-eclampsia
with clotting abnormality
Airway considerations potential or previous difficult airway
 Urgency of caesarean section
Experience and preference of attending anaesthetists

General Management of Women for Caesarean Section

Preoperative Assessment
Essential for identifying potential problems and for producing an
acceptable management plan.
Potential difficulties identified by obstetric staff early in pregnancy, should
ideally be referred to a senior anaesthetist in a timely manner to jointly
consider available options. E.g. significant cardiac disease, obesity,
difficult airway.

Check Haemoglobin
A preoperative full blood count is advised for all patients undergoing
caesarean section. Blood group and save should be performed in those
considered at risk of perioperative blood loss or with pre-existing anaemia.

Large Gauge Intravenous Access

Reliable large gauge intravenous access should be established (ideally at
least 16G). A second IV should be considered in all individuals considered
at additional risk of haemorrhage.

Antacid Prophylaxis
Antacid prophylaxis should be prescribed to all women undergoing
caesarean section.
A combination of H2 antagonist (e.g. ranitidine) and metaclopramide is
frequently prescribed orally if time permits and can be given IV in the
emergency situation.
These measures aim to increase gastric pH and reduce gastric volume.
Acid aspiration syndrome is more common if volume aspirated >25mls
and pH<2.5.
Sodium citrate 30ml immediately prior to the procedure further reduces the
acidity of gastric contents.

Fasting
Women for elective caesarean section should be starved for 6 hours. It is
suggested that women in active labour or having requested opioid
analgesia should refrain from solids or semi-solids.

Patient Positioning
Supine positioning should be avoided in all women presenting for
caesarean section.
Left lateral tilt reduces aortocaval compression and hypotension
secondary to reduction in preload.
Patient Monitoring
Continuous pulse oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring and
ECG for induction/regional injection, maintenance and recovery.
Fetal monitoring should ideally continue during preparation for surgery
where there are concerns with fetal well-being.

Prophylactic Antibiotics
Prophylaxis may reduce the risk of fever, endometritis, wound infection,
urinary tract infection and serious infection post caesarean section.
No difference has been shown with more than one dose or between
amoxicillin and different generation cephalosporins.

Use of Antiemetics
Emesis is often a response to hypotension secondary to regional
anaesthesia; this should be actively managed and where possible
prevented.

Use of Oxytocic Drugs

Bolus administration of syntocinon (oxytocin) following delivery reduces
the risk of post-partum haemorrhage.
Many units now routinely give an infusion in the immediate postoperative
period (e.g. 10 iu syntocinon / hour for 4 hours).
Syntocinon causes vasodilatation and tachycardia and bolus injection has
been associated with catastrophic collapse in vulnerable parturients. 5 iu
i.v should be given slowly following caesarean delivery.
In women at very high risk, e.g. the parturient with significant cardiac
disease, syntocinon may sometimes be best avoided, or given in a dilute
infusion over 10 to 15 minutes.

Thromboprophylaxis
Thromboembolic disease (TED) consistently represents the leading cause
of direct maternal death in the UK.
Measures aimed at prevention and a low threshold for investigation and
treatment of suspected cases are essential.
Rising rates of obesity in the UK are contributing to increasing obstetric
risk of TED. Caesarean section is an independent risk factor for TED with
a relative risk of 3.8.

Increased Risk
Emergency caesarean section
Maternal age over 35
Weight over 80 kg
Pre-existing or family history of thrombophilia
Other medical conditions
o Diabetes
 o Neurological disorders / other disorders reducing mobility
Multiple pregnancies
Pre-eclampsia

Interventions
Hydration
Good analgesia to encourage early mobilisation
Graduated elastic compression stockings (TEDS)
Low Molecular Weight Heparin (once daily) Timing with neuraxial
anaesthesia must be considered
Active calf compression devices

Postoperative analgesia
Post-caesarean pain relief should be multimodal using simple analgesics
including regular paracetamol and NSAIDs to help reduce opiate
requirements. Effective analgesia is important for early mobilisation and
prevention of TED.
Choice of postoperative analgesia will be influenced by local experience,
support and familiarity with techniques.

Various post operative regimes can be employed and will depend on the original
anaesthetic technique used.
Single shot spinals are the most frequently used technique for both
elective and emergency caesarean sections in the UK. The practice of
adding preservative free opiates (e.g. morphine, diamorphine) extends
postoperative analgesia and is now common practice. Maternal side
effects include pruritus, sedation and delayed respiratory depression. Risk
of delayed respiratory depression is increased if other opiates are co-
administered.
A working epidural can be left in situ and utilised or long acting opiates
added to an epidural prior to removal.
Emergency caesarean sections performed under general anaesthetic
often require an ongoing opiate regime either orally, intramuscularly or
intravenous (continuous or intermittent-Patient Controlled Analgesia
(PCA)). Alternative regional techniques such as bilateral ilioinguinal,
rectus sheath blocks or transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks may
be useful to supplement postoperative analgesia.

The choice of postoperative analgesia will be influenced by local experience,

resources, nursing support and familiarity with techniques.

Postoperative monitoring
All patients receiving intrathecal or epidural opioids should be clinically observed
for evidence of respiratory depression and sedation. Naloxone should be
available if required. The aims of postoperative monitoring are to ensure:
Recovery from regional or general anaesthesia
 Detection of PPH and other complications of procedure
Adequate pain relief

Transfusion Triggers
Blood loss of >1000mls occurs in 4-8% of caesarean sections. It is more
common with general anaesthesia than regional techniques.
Unless there is ongoing active bleeding current opinion is for restrictive
use of blood transfusion. In otherwise fit patients there is no advantage in
transfusing at Hb levels of above 7-8 g/dL and it may have added risks.

Drugs and Breast Feeding

In general many drugs are excreted in the breast milk but no problems from
transfer to the neonate through breast feeding are seen in the commonly used
anaesthetic or analgesic agents. Limited trial data leads universally to
manufacturers advising caution.
Anaesthetic agents
o Thiopentone, Propofol, Volatile Agents
Insignificant quantities in breast milk
o Benzodiazepines
No problem with single dose, prolonged use not advised
o Muscle relaxants
Not excreted in breast milk
Analgesics
o Paracetamol / NSAIDS / Opiates
Not known to cause harm in therapeutic doses
Antiemetics
o All advise use with caution, not known to cause harm
Anticoagulants
o No apparent problem with short term LMWH given prophylactically
post operatively, manufacturer advises to avoid

Training in Obstetric Anaesthesia

The Use of Simulators

With reduced hours available for training in many developed countries, concerns
have been raised about how anaesthetists can attain relevant skills in obstetric
anaesthesia especially with respect to management of caesarean sections
performed under general anaesthesia. It is essential that each department has a
failed intubation drill that is regularly practiced and there is immediate availability
and familiarity with alternative emergency airway equipment.

Training through simulation may contribute to development and retention of such

skills. The experience of the aviation industry in using high-fidelity simulation to
train and demonstrate competency is increasingly used in anaesthesia training in
the UK. This may have a role in practicing anaesthetic management of
uncommon events including failed obstetric intubation and obstetric collapse.
Self Assessment Answers

A1
A: T In large cohort studies neonatal mortality has been shown to be increased
by 1.7 times in neonates delivered by caesarean section compared with
normal vaginal delivery.
B: F Caesarean sections are undertaken to improve maternal or fetal outcome.
WHO recommends an optimum caesarean section rate of 5-15%. It is
higher than this in the UK and much lower in Sub-Saharan Africa.
C: T Caesarean section is protective, reducing neonatal mortality associated
with breech presentation. Accurate diagnosis requires a reliable and timely
ultrasound assessment of fetal presentation. Increased planned
caesarean delivery for breech may reduce the skills of obstetricians in
vaginal delivery of the woman presenting fully dilated with undiagnosed
breech.
D: F A category 1 caesarean section should aim to be delivered within 30
minutes of the time of decision. A category 1 section is indicated if there is
an immediate threat to the life of mother or fetus.
E: F While most category 1 caesareans demand rapid delivery with general
anaesthesia, there may be occasions where regional anaesthesia may be
more appropriate depending on the individual circumstances. This should
normally be provided by a single shot spinal.

A2
A: F Syntocinon is a synthetic analogue of oxytocin but it is released from the
posterior pituitary gland. Its physiological role is to increase the force and
frequency of contractions by acting on specific receptors in the uterine
myometrium. It also promotes lactation.
B: F It is now recommended that only 5 units of syntocinon should be given
routinely at delivery of the baby. This should be given as a slow bolus to
reduce the cardiovascular side effects. Patients with fixed cardiac output
states are particularly vulnerable to these effects (e.g. aortic / mitral
stenoses), a consideration in areas where rheumatic heart disease is
prevalent. A further slow bolus of 5 units can be given for uterine atony.
C: T Although this is a rare complication. Syntocinon has an antidiuretic effect
and if combined with overzealous hydration can produce dilutional
hyponatraemia leading to seizures.
D: T The half life of oxytocin is 10 mins, this is why it is commonly given as an
infusion to augment labour or following caesarean delivery to attempt to
reduce uterine atony and post partum haemorrhage.
E: F Ergometrine acts by promoting smooth muscle contraction. This affects all
smooth muscle and can provoke severe bronchospasm, vomiting and
hypertension. It is commonly combined with oxytocin and given via the
intramuscular route. It can be given directly into the uterine myometrium. It
 is rarely given intravenously because of the side effect profile, if it is, it is
given as titrated small doses.

A3
A: T Assessment of fetal distress is routinely interpreted from fetal heart rate
often using the cardiotocogram (CTG). It has a low specificity and
sensitivity in identifying fetal distress. This can be improved, if the
equipment is available locally and there is felt to be time to employ it. i.e.
Fetal blood sampling or Fetal ST segment analysis (STAN). The speed of
response to simple measures to improve fetal condition is important.
Communication with the maternity and obstetric staff is vital.
B: T Reliable large gauge intravenous access (ideally 16g) is important for
several reasons: Intravenous fluid and pharmacological treatment of
hypotension (e.g. ephedrine) may improve placental blood flow and
reduce fetal distress. It can be used in the event of requiring an urgent
general anaesthetic. Whilst cannulating there is an opportunity to draw
blood for FBC and Group+Save.
C: F The left lateral position is appropriate for the majority of patients to reduce
the cardiovascular effects of compression of the great vessels. However, if
umbilical cord compression is the cause of fetal distress then other
positions may improve fetal heart rate (e.g. right lateral or knee elbow
position).
D: T The blood flow to the vulnerable fetus is most compromised during
contractions. Methods of reducing uterine contraction strength and
frequency are to turn off any syntocinon infusions (if being used to
augment labour) or to promote tocolysis with the use of -agonists (e.g.
terbutaline) or smooth muscle relaxants (GTN).
E: T Fetal distress may settle with conservative methods, but there is still a risk
that this patient may require a Category 1 caesarean section if the
situation progresses. Appropriate plans should be made for this
eventuality. This includes an anaesthetic assessment, especially of
potential airway difficulties. Potential anaesthetic techniques should be
discussed with mother, explaining that events may happen rapidly in the
event of further fetal difficulties. The mother should be prevented from
eating solids and antacid prophylaxis should be given (commonly H2
antagonists).

A4
A: T Pre-existing medical or mental health conditions may be aggravated by
pregnancy and contribute to a poor outcome. Included in this is obesity
(BMI>30). The risks are further increased in those undergoing assisted
fertility treatment.
B: F Women should be assessed prior to 12 weeks gestation. Women booking
after 20 weeks had a significantly higher direct and indirect mortality. It is
highlighted that this is particularly important in immigrant populations
 because of the higher prevalence of concurrent undiagnosed medical
conditions.
C: F There is no recommendation that women who have had a previous
section must have a repeat section. Although in practice the majority do.
They are at increased risk of uterine rupture, placenta accreta and
obstetric haemorrhage. As such women should be appropriately
counselled and it is recommended that placenta location and praevia
should be excluded. Evidence of accreta should be actively sort and an
appropriate management plan put in place.
D: F Because of the rarity of critical illness in the obstetric population and the
physiological changes associated with pregnancy, there have been
instances where critical illness has been missed, with detrimental effect.
The report suggests the use of an early warning system, Modified
Obstetric Early Warning System (MEOWS). A nationally recommended
chart is in development (suggested version available in the latest
CEMACH report). Charts similar to this have been successfully used in the
critical care setting and for general ward nurses to identify patients at risk
who require outreach intervention. The chart takes various physiological
parameters e.g. HR, BP, Respiratory Rate, Temp, urine output and GCS.
It gives each a score and when totalled together provides a
recommendation for any required intervention e.g. contact a doctor
immediately. When performed regularly it provides a useful trend as to
whether the woman is improving or deteriorating. It is also lends its self to
audit of practice.
E: F The report found an overall mortality of 14 in 100,000 (1:10,000 rather
than 1:1,000). Maternal mortality rate was associated with lower socio-
economic group. It also showed how obesity in the UK is becoming an
increasing problem with over 50% of patients who died being clinically
obese. Thromboembolic disease was the lead cause of direct maternal
mortality, followed by pre-eclampsia/eclampsia and sepsis. Pre-existing
cardiac disease was the lead cause of indirect mortality.

Recommended reading

Yentis S, May A, Alhotra S. Analgesia, anaesthesia and pregnancy. A Practical

Guide. Cambridge University Press. 2007

Levy DM. Emergency Caesarean Section: Best Practice. Anaesthesia. 2006; 61:
786-791

Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health http://www.cemach.org.uk/

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Clinical Effectiveness

Support Unit. The National Sentinel Caesarean Section Audit Report. London
RCOG, 2001 http://www.rcog.org.uk/resources/public/pdf/nscs_audit.pdf
NICE guidelines for caesarean section
http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/index.jsp?action=download&o=29331

For fully referenced version of tutorial please contact author via email:
[email protected]