Potential complications of general anaesthesia

The unconscious patient undergoing the operation may vomit and aspirate the vomited stomach contents into the airway. This can result in her being quite ill for days afterwards. This is why any mother who is to undergo a cesarean section will be given an injection of a drug to reduce the production of acid in the stomach and an antacid drink to neutralize the acid that is already there.

The other common complication is lowering blood pressure. As with the regional anaesthesia, general anaesthesia can lower the blood pressure.

Potential complications of regional anaesthesia

The most common potential complication is a drop in blood pressure, and this is easily dealt with.

Occasionally, patients have post-spinal headache, which may last a few days and can be quite debilitating. It is felt with change of posture (usually from a flat position to a sitting or standing position). This is a result of what is called a ‘dural-tap’. It is discussed in greater detail here. This complication can also be effectively dealt with.

An abscess or blood-clot (hematoma) may form at the injection site. The symptoms are progressively worsening backache within a day or so of the procedure. It occurs with the epidural rather than spinal. This complication is rare.

Occasionally, after starting the operation, it may be discovered too late that the spinal or epidural is not fully effective and the patient is in some pain. There is then no choice but to resort to giving a general anaesthetic. This can be quite upsetting for someone who had wanted to stay awake. Fortunately, this is quite uncommon.

Potential complications of general anaesthesia

The other common complication is lowering blood pressure. As with the regional anaesthesia, general anaesthesia can lower the blood pressure.

Potential complications of the cesarean section

Everything in perspective: The safety of cesarean section has improved dramatically over the years. However, it remains a major operation, which means it retains the potential for serious complications. It is not only a theory because these do actually happen and they happen to real people. The wise counsel therefore is; when necessary, the doctor should not hesitate to do it. By the same token, when it is not really indicated, the doctor should resist the temptation to do it.

Apart from complications which are attributable to the anesthesia as described above, other things which may happen include:

Hemorrhage: this can be so severe that it requires multiple transfusions. In extreme cases - which occur from time to time - the bleeding may be such that a hysterectomy has to be done as a life-saving measure.

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