Objective: To compare postoperative pain perception and analgesia requirements in patients undergoing cesarean section (CS) using general versus spinal anesthesia.

Study Design: A prospective, observational study of patients undergoing elective CS during 2009 under either general or spinal anesthesia. Postoperative pain intensity and analgesia requirements were evaluated for up to 48 h after surgery.

Results: A total of 153 women were enrolled; 77 received general and 76 received regional anesthesia. Postoperative meperidine requirements in the first 24 h were significantly higher in the general anesthesia group. Pain scores were mostly comparable between the groups. Nevertheless, lower pain scores were graded after 8 h in the general versus the spinal anesthesia and this reversed at 48 h.

Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia is comparable to general anesthesia in terms of post-operative pain control. In choosing the type of anesthesia in CS, other factors such as the urgency and potential maternal and fetal hazards should be taken into account.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2265-yDOI Listing

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