Abstract

Background: This study aims to compare between general and spinal anesthesia regarding to the amount of maternal blood loss in cesarean section. Methods: This is a randomized controlled study conducted at Bab El Shaaria Hospital to compare maternal blood loss by general and spinal anesthesia. Results: The results showed that the group which had a cesarean section under spinal anesthesia has a statistically significant 2nd day postoperative higher level of hemoglobin (P< 0.001), when compared with general anesthesia, with a mean difference of 0.660g/dL and also a statistically significant 3rd day postoperative hematocrit percentage higher with the spinal anesthesia group with a mean difference of 1.507% (P= 0.002). Conclusion: The spinal anesthesia showed definite advantages over general anesthesia; being higher postoperative hemoglobin level and hematocrit value, less intraoperative blood loss, less need for blood transfusion, less postoperative pain and need for postoperative analgesia, and earlier ambulation. In addition; mothers were faster in starting breast feeding their babies

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