The comparison of general and spinal anesthesia for Caesarean section on the postoperative quality of recovery

Abstract

Background: Elective caesarean section often involves a choice between two common methods of anesthesia: general and spinal anesthesia. This study aims to compare the impact of anesthesia type on the quality of postoperative recovery following caesarean section. This research focused on postoperative well-being, pain management, and patient satisfaction, particularly regarding the influence of the chosen anesthesia type. Materials and Methods: A total of forty-eight parturients and aged between 18 and 39 years, undergoing caesarean section (CS), were assigned to either the general or spinal anesthesia group. The Quality of Recovery-40 questionnaires (QoR-40K) were administered at three distinct time points: prior to the surgery (baseline), the first and the second day following surgery. The QoR-40K scores, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) requirements were compared in both groups. Results: We analyzed 23 and 25 patients in general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia, respectively. The global QoR-40K score and those of each of five dimensions were not significantly different between two groups at baseline, the first and the second days postoperatively. This lack of significant difference was consistent across all time points assessed. Notably, the time elapsed before the initial request for analgesia was significantly longer in the spinal anesthesia group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The present study indicates that spinal anesthesia does not significantly improve the quality of postoperative recovery. Nonetheless, it is important to note that spinal anesthesia is preferred due to its association with reduced postoperative pain and a decreased requirement for additional analgesics.