Central neural blockade and caesarian section II: patient assessment of the procedure.

Abstract

A confidential questionnaire was sent to 62 mothers who had chosen central neural blockade for caesarian section. 82.5% replied to open and closed questions about their motives for and memories of the experience. Despite several sources of discomfort during surgery and in the postoperative period the overall response was overwhelmingly positive towards the procedure. The results of this pilot study indicate the importance of considering maternal aspirations prior to caesarian section, and allowing the informed mother to choose between central neural blockade and general anaesthesia whenever possible.