Anesthesia-Related Complications in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Striving to ensure every effort to provide a secure safe environment and well-being of mother and baby to start their happy and healthy journey together. Over the past three decades, mortality from general anesthesia in obstetrics has decreased. Factors influencing the choice of the appropriate anesthetic technique include the type of surgery, patient factors (comorbidities, emergencies), and the effects of anesthesia on the fetus. A high maternal mortality rate associated with general anesthesia in obstetrics was related to the risk of aspiration and airway management. Regional anesthesia is preferred to minimize fetal drug exposure, reduce the need for airway management, and provide some degree of postoperative analgesia. Over time, the method has been improved to reduce the potentially harmful effects and complications caused by various anesthetic procedures. Neuraxial techniques have gained popularity with advancements in obstetric anesthesia and replaced general anesthesia primarily because of their intense focus on safety and widely utilized options in operative procedures for vaginal delivery. Approximately 1–2% of obstetric patients require non-obstetric procedures during pregnancy that require general anesthesia due to the nature of the procedure and patient factors. However, 6% of cesarean sections still require general anesthesia and tracheal intubation, and it is essential to remember that any intervention may come with unwanted side effects.