Retrospective analysis of anesthetic interventions for obese patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI), perioperative times, and anesthetic interventions in patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
University-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
All patients were ranked according to BMI (kg/m(2)) at the time of delivery. The BMI groups were designated a priori: ≤ 29.9 kg/m(2) (Group C); 30-34.9 kg/m(2) (Group I); 35-39.9 kg/m(2) (Group II), and ≥ 40 kg/m(2) (Group III). One hundred patients (25 pts per group) underwent elective cesarean delivery. Data collected included anesthetic technique, perioperative times, anesthesia-related costs, and neonatal outcomes.


RESULTS
A higher percentage of Group III patients (60%) received combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia than did Group C or Group I (18% and 16%, respectively; P < 0.05). The total intraoperative period was significantly longer in Group III (101 min) compared with Groups C, I, and II (81 min, 90 min, and 92 min, respectively; P < 0.05). Total intraoperative time increased significantly with BMI (R = 0.394 kg/m(2); P < 0.001). The highest anesthesia-related costs during the study were generated by patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m(2).


CONCLUSIONS
Our single-center experience showed that choice of anesthetic technique (CSE vs. spinal anesthesia) varies according to obesity class. Longer intraoperative periods must be considered in deciding upon the mode of anesthesia for patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m(2) who undergo elective cesarean delivery.
Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. ajbut@stanford.edu
Alexander
A
Butwick
Brendan
B
Carvalho
Christina
C
Danial
Edward
E
Riley
D000328:Adult; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000379:methods; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult