An appraisal of anaesthetic technique for caesarean delivery in a tertiary Institution North Central Nigeria

Background: The rate of caesarean delivery is on the rise globally and our institution is not left out. Therefore we set out to assess the trends, indications and anaesthetic techniques for caesarean delivery in our environment. Methods: This was a retrospective review of all caesarean deliveries between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2017 from the anaesthetic chart, anaesthetic theatre records and labour ward record of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). Patient's demographic data, indication for caesarean section, nature of caesarean section, ASA physical status, anaesthetic technique used, cadre of anaesthetist and the total number of deliveries were recorded. Data were analysed and presented as frequencies and percentages using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS software version 22). Results: During the study period a total of 7940 patients delivered and 1822 patients had undergone caesarean delivery. The caesarean section rate at the institution is around 22.9%. The commonest indication for caesarean delivery was previous caesarean section (31.6%) followed by hypertensive disorder in pregnancy(14.7%). Most of the caesarean section was performed as emergency (80%). Regional anaesthesia was the most frequently used for both emergency(91.3%) and elective (98.7%) caesarean section, and spinal anaesthesia(88.9%) was the commonest regional anaesthetic technique used. Conclusion: The rate of caesarean section is high in our institution, with majority being performed under spinal anaesthesia. We need to improve on other regional anaesthetic technique so that our parturients can have the best and safest option.